DICT launches first drone-assisted medicine delivery in SEA
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched a drone-assisted medicine delivery in Southeast Asia.
The Philippine News Agency says DICT launched this service in Barangay Niogan, Pililia town in Rizal province.
It’s part of the SMART Villages and SMART Islands (SVSI) framework that uses drone delivery to address “geographic barriers, limited transportation and logistical issues.”
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said:
“Filipinos living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) face life-threatening delays in accessing medications and medical services that can be addressed by utilizing such technology.”
He added that the pilot will help refine and expand digital healthcare services nationwide.
Moreover, it will ensure that GIDAs have access to “groundbreaking e-health solutions.”
“This pioneering initiative underscores DICT’s relentless drive to harness digital technology to enhance the lives of Filipinos,” Uy said.
“Through innovation and collaboration, DICT is dismantling the digital divide, making essential services, especially healthcare, more inclusive, efficient and accessible to all.”
The DICT secretary also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in the drone-assisted medicine delivery program:
“Hindi po kaya ng gubyerno na mag-isa na gumawa nito. Kailangan po ang partnership with the private sector.”
(The government cannot do this alone. We need a partnership with the private sector.)
Meanwhile, Barangay Niogan Chairperson Placido Quitiong said the program will help provide medicines and other healthcare essentials to remote areas of their village:
“Makakatulong po ito upang masigurado na ang ating matatandang mga kabarangay, mga may kapansanan, at may mga malalang karamdaman ay makakatanggap na ng agarang lunas at tulong sa tamang oras.”
(This will ensure that the elderly, the disabled and the sick will receive immediate treatment and aid at the right time.)
