The MOU will combine Siemens’ Laboratory Diagnostics testing capabilities and Wingcopter’s drone delivery services to improve diagnostics and provide faster treatment.
Siemens Healthineers will provide the latest in digital technology and Wingcopter will provide highly automated drone delivery to Laboratory Information Systems, which will accurately track and report results patients.
Ole Maloy, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Middle East, Southern & Eastern Africa, says, “At Siemens Healthineers, we are committed to providing access to care for everyone. Our partnership with Wingcopter will look to bridge the existing gaps in healthcare infrastructure, providing equitable and affordable access to diagnostic testing and medical supplies.”
Connecting Wingcopter’s delivery drones with Siemens Healthineers’ laboratory diagnostics facilities will offer 2-way delivery of samples, medicine and other medical products.
The battery-powered drones operated by Wingcopter have a range of 75 kilometres and will maintain the cold chain at all times.
Drone delivery networks will allow for the centralisation of sample testing and medical consumables distribution, providing improved access to diagnosis, faster turnaround times, increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Tom Plümmer, CEO and Co-Founder of Wingcopter, says, “We are convinced that we have found the perfect partner for our bold ambitions to improve and save the lives of millions of people on the African continent and beyond. Partnering with Siemens Healthineers will bring us a big step closer to the goal we are working tirelessly towards: to make a real social impact worldwide for those who need it most through fast, reliable and sustainable drone delivery networks in the sky.”
The time and place of the first deployment will be announced at a later date.