Medical drones
Robin Kamira is a pioneer in the commercial use of drones in New Zealand. She has a plan for trialling safer drone operations that has gained enthusiastic support from the CAA.
In the proposed venture drones could be delivering medicine to remote, rural Northland communities by March next year.
Her company, Medical Drones Aotearoa, plans to begin a trial delivery of medical supplies to Mitimiti, near Hokianga, in November 2017 and aims to start its first regular service by March, pending CAA approval.
Kamira says about 14 percent of patients in low socio-economic and rural areas do not pick up their medicines while even more ration any medicines they do pick up to make them last longer.
“We’re focused on supporting communities that may otherwise be overlooked when it comes to deploying leading-edge technologies for services.” Kamira points out that the people to whom she plans to deliver pharmaceuticals live at a considerable distance from the nearest pharmacy.
Kamira is aware of the many problems associated with third parties delivering prescription medicines and is having talks with the CAA and Ministry of Health, both of whom are supportive. People living in Mitimiti, where the trial will be focussed, face a three-hour return trip to the closest pharmacy, which makes it difficult for residents to access even basic medical supplies, Kamira says.
She says the proposed trial would test drones, leaving from a few different launch sites, to deliver unrestricted medicine, such as Pamol, to the Mitimiti marae where it could be picked up or delivered by trusted community members. Kamira is aware of the problems of security facing the trial and says it will begin with unrestricted medicine that can be purchased from pharmacies over the counter. This would continue until the security systems are validated.
The trial will include tests that explore the safe delivery of medicines and flights beyond visual line of sight, with the ability for a pilot to take control of the craft remotely, Kamira says.
Kamira is CEO of Paua Interface, the company which will manage the new 874sq km drone trial space in Northland called Incredible Skies. Medical drones will be tested at a commercial drone trial space in Hokianga. The Hokianga trial airspace is remote from airports and Kamira says she has already had permission from landowners underneath the projected flight paths to conduct the proposed trials.
- Report by Paul Harrison.
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