20th July, 2018
The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with Zipline International Inc, operators of drones, to offer a drone-enabled supply chain solution in the health sector.
While signing the MOU, the Commissioner for Science and Technology. Mr. Hakeem Fahm noted that the new partnership is based on the health care initiatives of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Fahm said the partnership with the State Government would leverage on technology to improve the supply chain of critical medical supplies, reduce waste and save lives.
He noted that drones would be used to ensure secured, reliable and timely deliveries of essential health care products to publicly-owned hospitals and other health facilities in the State
In his words “Lagos Sate has began a process that will allow us to be able to deliver critical medical needs of every publicly-owned hospital in the State within a short period when needed.
“Zipline services will compliment Lagos States existing medical supply chain by responding in minutes to request for cold chain products, unexpected stock outs and emergencies,” the commissioner added.
According to the Representative of Zipline Mr. Diekoye Oyeyinka who signed the MoU on behalf of his company, “Lagos state will be the first mega city in the world to have an autonomous instant delivery system, when it is fully deployed”.
Zipline is a robotics airplane manufacturer based in California focusing on delivering medical supplies to undeveloped and underdeveloped areas.
They work to improve access to healthcare and save lives.