Drone improves healthcare service delivery in Mangochi

Malombe Health Centre in-charge Henry Chimtengo says the use of drone technology at the facility has improved the delivery of healthcare services.

A United States-based non-governmental organisation VillageReach introduced the technology in February this year at the health centre in Mangochi District.

The drone transports vaccines from Mangochi District Hospital to the health centre and takes tuberculosis (TB) samples from the health centre to the district’s hospital main TB laboratory.

Speaking on Tuesday when VillageReach officials visited the health centre to appreciate the impact of the technology, Chimtengo said Cyclone Freddy-induced floods destroyed the area’s road network, making it difficult for ambulances to travel.

He said: “Although the health centre was cut off from Mangochi District Hospital following the damage to roads, the drone delivers medical commodities from the district hospital within 12 minutes.

“Medicines are always in stock in our pharmacy and we deliver quality healthcare services without disruptions.”

Malombe Health Centre TB officer Felix Jameson said the drone service has facilitated quick delivery of TB samples from the health centre to Mangochi District Hospital for testing.

“It was taking seven days previously for results to come, but now we get the results within three days. This has enhanced the fight against TB,” he said.

Malombe Health Centre health management committee chairperson Anderson Kazembe thanked VillageReach for the initiative, saying they are getting medicine easily.

VillageReach president Emily Bancroft expressed happiness with the testimonies.

“Our organisation wants people in rural areas to access healthcare services without challenges. This is why we introduced this technology,” she said.