Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has introduced the use of drones for the transportation of blood samples and emergency medical supplies to hospitals within the county. The initiative, launched at Kisor Health Center in Eldoret, marks a significant step forward in healthcare delivery and is the first of its kind in the country.
The drone technology is part of a larger Sh400 million, 10-year medical support agreement between the county government and ElsMed Healthcare Solutions, an Israeli firm specializing in medical solutions. This transformative project aims to modernize healthcare services in Uasin Gishu, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
A Historic Partnership
The deal, rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding signed two years ago, followed a visit by Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem to Uasin Gishu. During his visit, the ambassador pledged to support various healthcare initiatives in the region. The partnership has culminated in this ambitious drone project, alongside other health improvement plans.
Governor Bii described the adoption of drone technology as a historic milestone for Kenya. “The use of drones is a major plus for us because we are the first country to use this technology,” he said during the launch. ElsMed CEO Yaron Farachi echoed these sentiments, noting that this is the first deployment of such technology for medical purposes in Africa.
Operational Details and Benefits
The drones will primarily collect medical samples from rural health centers and transport them to a specialized laboratory at Huruma Sub-County Hospital. This approach addresses logistical challenges posed by poor road networks and the time constraints of traditional transport methods.
“Drone technology will save the county time and resources that are usually spent on road transportation,” Farachi stated. By expediting the transfer of critical medical supplies and samples, the initiative aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and response times in emergencies.
Governor Bii emphasized that the partnership extends beyond drone technology. It also includes the establishment of turnkey laboratory diagnostic solutions, advancements in medical information technology, and the creation of diabetes and hypertension treatment centers of excellence.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
The Sh400 million allocated for this initiative will also be used to finance various health-related projects across Uasin Gishu County. ElsMed has committed to maintaining and upgrading the equipment provided under the agreement, ensuring sustainability over the decade-long partnership.
Furthermore, the Israeli firm will supply essential consumables and reagents at affordable prices, ensuring the continuity of operations. The county plans to reinvest revenues generated through this project into facility improvement fund bills to guarantee prompt payment for consumables and other critical resources.
Governor Bii and his executive for health, Abraham Serem, have urged residents to register with the county’s Social Health Assistance (SHA) program. This registration will enable residents to access free healthcare services in public hospitals, a crucial step toward improving overall health outcomes in the region.
A Vision for the Future
This initiative is part of Governor Bii’s broader vision to revolutionize healthcare in Uasin Gishu County. He believes that such innovations will set a precedent for the rest of the country and beyond.
“We are grateful that the partnership with the Israel team has brought us a breakthrough in our plans to ensure the people of Uasin Gishu enjoy quality medical services,” Bii said.
As the project unfolds, it holds the promise of transforming healthcare delivery, not just in Uasin Gishu, but potentially across Kenya. With drones soaring over the county, delivering life-saving medical supplies, Uasin Gishu is paving the way for a future where technology and healthcare converge to save lives.
