Malaysia to launch drone medicine delivery pilot in rural Sabah

Malaysia will introduce a pilot drone-based medicine delivery service in Tawau, Sabah, as part of efforts to improve healthcare access in rural communities. The initiative, launched by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, is part of the NADI Smart Services programme, reports BERNAMA, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to Mohd Arif Adenan, Head of the MCMC NADI Office, the project is expected to benefit residents of around 12 villages, particularly those living in remote locations. The programme will be implemented in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Sabah government and other public agencies.

Mohd Arif said the initiative is intended to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to collect medicines, helping to save both time and transport costs.

The programme will also build on existing healthcare services provided through National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) facilities. In addition to serving as collection points for medicines, NADI centres offer basic health screening, including blood pressure monitoring. Where abnormal readings are detected, patients can be referred to hospitals for further assessment.

If the pilot project achieves its objectives, MCMC will consider expanding the initiative to other regions with similar healthcare needs. The commission also plans to further develop NADI's digital services to improve access to public services for communities located further from existing centres.