Apian, a UK-based company that connects healthcare service providers with drone operators and services, has announced a new partnership to start trials of medical drone deliveries in Ireland and explore further opportunities in the UK.
The two companies plan to engage with the local community and stakeholders prior to beginning operations.
Wing, a drone subsidiary of Alphabet, will provide the drone technology for the pilots, working with Apian and healthcare and pharmacy partners to develop a medical delivery network in South Dublin.
The drone network is being established to improve patient outcomes and reduce local traffic congestion and emissions in areas being serviced.
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According to Wing, its range of highly-automated drones can be used across a range of healthcare applications, such as the delivery of pharmacy items, laboratory samples and medical devices across both urban and suburban environments.
Both firms believes that medical drone delivery can provide a faster, more reliable and lower-cost service than ground-based or other conventional alternatives.
What’s more, the drones need minimal infrastructure to be set up, making them suitable for a wide variety of healthcare facilities, according to Wing.
This operation will be the drone company’s second in Ireland, following a public demonstration of its services in Lusk.
Apian was founded by a team of doctors from the National Health Service (NHS).
