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Healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and nursing mothers in Bayelsa State have commended the effectiveness of drone services implemented by the state government to distribute drugs and medical supplies to hospitals across the region.
Introduced through a partnership with logistics delivery company Zipline in 2022, the initiative aims to enhance the preservation of vital cold-chain medications and broaden the distribution of essential medical resources to remote health facilities. This groundbreaking approach has garnered praise from various quarters within the healthcare community.
Dr. Opukumo Alexandra, Head of Clinical Services at Kolo General Hospital in Ogbia Local Government Area, hailed the drone services as a transformative innovation tailored to address the health needs of rural residents. He emphasized the prompt response and efficiency of the drone deliveries, stating, “Zipline has rendered so much services that we cannot over-emphasize. They respond quickly whenever you place a request.”
Medical officers overseeing primary health centers in the region echoed similar sentiments. Ase Adiogbogbo, in charge of Otuokpoti Primary Health Centre, and Dr. Agabugene Timineri, Immunization Officer at Agudama-Ekpetiama Health Centre, highlighted the positive impact of drone deliveries on the state’s healthcare system. They noted significant improvements in service delivery, particularly in reducing the time taken for drug and medical supply distribution, which previously relied heavily on road or boat transportation.
The adoption of drone technology has expedited the delivery process, ensuring timely access to medical resources and enabling healthcare providers to respond effectively to emergency situations. Adiogbogbo emphasized the benefits for nursing mothers, stating, “There has been an improvement in our healthcare delivery. Before now, sometimes it takes time for the vaccine to get to us and we run out of stocks. But now, there is no shortage of drugs.”
Elizabeth Akpo, a nursing mother at Otuokpoti Primary Health Centre, shared her positive experience, noting the significant difference in healthcare provision since the introduction of drone services. She expressed gratitude for the timely availability of vaccines, stating, “My child gets vaccinated at any scheduled date. Anytime I come, they attend to me quickly and there is always injection anytime I come. No excuses again.”