The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) launched the first TRON unmanned Aerial drone system to deliver blood for emergency situation in remote areas.
Vereeniging and Sebokeng are the first areas in the country where the drones will be tested.
The hospitals were carefully selected based on the semi-rural areas between the two hospitals as well as the amount of “emergency blood” cases.
The aerial drone was developed by a German Company called Quantum.
“This is an innovative step to the future, accessing lifesaving blood products in rural areas,” said the company.
“The idea was born out of a discussion with the Department of Heath on how to improve blood supply to remote areas and reduce the mortality rate of patients in need of blood,” said CEO of SANBS Dr Jonathan Louw.
The drone can carry at least 4 units which is 2 Kg of blood.
The Drone flight by SANBS can be done for as little as R10.
