Medical deliveries by drone are now standard practices in several countries, especially in Africa; but it seems healthcare stakeholders in Ireland still need some convincing.
Maybe because the drone partner in this case is Manna Air Delivery, the Irish drone logistics company that is working hard to set its footprint onto the world drone delivery space: but has so far only made its mark in delivering retail items that do not require special care, like phones and small food items.
Emergency medical deliveries are whole different matter though, which would explain why Manna thought it prudent to start with a delivery simulation that demonstrates how emergency medical delivery by drone would work in Ireland.
Medical drones will bypass the inconvenience of conventional traffic through fast and environmentally friendly operations that unlock faster, smarter healthcare.
At least that is what Manna Delivery are selling.
The drone company last week made a simulated demonstration of urgent medical drone delivery in Dublin, which showcased the potential for rapid aerial transport of blood and other life-saving medical supplies between hospitals.
Working alongside healthcare professionals from Rotunda Hospital, the demonstration simulated a delivery to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, in a proof-of-concept operation on how drones can safely deliver between two hospital sites.
“This simulation is designed to show what is now technically possible and how it could support faster, cleaner and more connected healthcare in the near future,” Manna said in a statement.
John O’ Loughlin, Laboratory Manager at Rotunda Hospital also took part in the simulation and had this to add; “The ability to move blood, samples and other critical supplies between hospitals at speed could transform how we support emergency and planned care in Ireland. Today’s simulation is a glimpse of that future.”
Manna went further to posit that the test reflected an ambition to upgrade how Irish hospitals operate as a system – moving vital supplies such as blood, pathology samples and emergency medicines in minutes, not hours. At a time when clinical pressure and population needs are growing.
“We’ve proven this technology works at scale,” said Bobby Healy, Chief Executive Officer at Manna Air Delivery.
“What we’re showing now is how it can be applied in healthcare where minutes matter. Ireland is well-placed to lead the way, and this simulation is about building trust and momentum toward full integration.”
Aside from Africa, medical drone deliveries have been applied in the UK for some time now; in London, healthcare logistics company Apian has been working with drone company Wing to transport blood samples between Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital.
In this operation, transport times were reduced from over 30 minutes by road to under two minutes by drone – enabling faster diagnostics for high-risk surgical patients and accelerating decision-making at the point of care.
In Dorset, a study found that drones serving thirteen GP surgeries achieved an 83 percent reduction in average delivery time compared to traditional van routes.
Last year, a simulation flight involving Manna’s drones and the rapid delivery of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) showed how drone delivery could dramatically improve survival rates for cardiac arrest patients in the community. The project, led by Dr Glenn Curtin in collaboration with the HSE, National Ambulance Service and Community First Responders, demonstrated how a defibrillator could be delivered to a home within two minutes – significantly faster than the average ambulance response.
While live operations between hospitals are subject to regulatory approval, the underlying platform is already in use in Ireland.
Manna has operated safely across suburban communities under IAA and European oversight delivering groceries, over the counter pharmacy items and other time-sensitive goods daily.
In just eighteen months, the company has already replaced over half a million kilometres of road-based deliveries in Dublin 15 alone, reducing congestion.
And for Manna, the next evolution in drone operations in Ireland is in medical deliveries.