The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has paid a working visit to ZIPLINE, Ghana’s Medical Drone project at Anum a community located in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The delegation was led by the Member of Parliament for the Effiduase-Asokore Constituency, and Chairperson for the committee, Hon. Nana Ayew Afriye and Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health.
The purpose of the visit was to tour the facility and familiarize themselves with the Zipline operations.
Mr. Mawuli Atiemo, General Manager of Zipline, in his statement said the centre has about 30 drones that serves Volta region and parts of Eastern region.
Mr. Kwasi Owusu Antwi, the Country Lead for Health System Integration, took committee members through the operations of the company’s three main divisions, namely, the Medical Supply Storage, the Packaging Unit, and the Drone Launching Unit.
During the tour, Mr. Owusu Antwi, said the drones deliver medical supplies such as blood, antenatal drugs, child vaccines and anti-snake venoms to public health facilities including CHPS Compounds in the regions.
“Anum Zipline currently has delivered 46,516 vaccines and emergency products to 378 direct health facilities in the two regions” he added.
He disclosed that the company works directly with the Regional Medical Stores (RMS), National Blood Service Supply (NBSS) and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) who supply them with medical products, blood products and vaccines for distribution.
A demonstration was made on how deliveries are done with the drones, after which a presentation was made to brief the delegates on the successes and challenges of Zipline Ghana.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nana Ayew Afriye subsequently showed appreciation to Zipline-Anum for the wonderful experience as well as ensuring that there is equity in healthcare delivery and commended them for the excellent work done over the years.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
