After the experimental phase and various tests, concluded with excellent results, the biomedical drone transport service is now ready to take off. This was announced by the Provincial Health Authority of Messina: the drones will deliver medicines, blood and blood components to the most difficult to reach areas, such as the Aeolian Islands and mountain areas.
The first operational connection will be between the Patti hospital and the Lipari hospital. The project, the first of its kind in Italy, was born from the Immunohematology and transfusion medicine service of the Patti hospital and is part of the technological innovation and telemedicine plan promoted by the general director Giuseppe Cuccì.
«The transport is officially authorized by Enac – explains Cuccì – and uses highly sophisticated but simple to use tools». The technological heart of the project is the “Smart capsule”, an intelligent, fully automated and traceable capsule within which drugs, blood and blood components will be stored, which will monitor, in real time, temperature, humidity, vibrations and integrity of the contents, ensuring that the blood components travel in full compliance with safety and quality standards.