Remote places to benefit from ambitious drug supply scheme

From Daily News, Dar es Salaam
By PIUS RUGONZIBWA in Mwanza

THE supply chain of drugs has recorded an historic landmark in the country as Mwanza Region will from next month use drones to supply drugs in not-easily-accessible areas, particularly in Ukerewe Island.

A team of officials from the World Bank and Mwanza regional authorities recently witnessed the first launch of the initiative dubbed Lake Victoria Drone Expo & Challenge (LVC) which will make it easier and more convenient for the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to supply drug kits to the island.

The MSD Director General, Mr Laurian Rugambwa Bwanakunu, said the supply of drugs and medical equipment was very expensive but using drones would not only make it less expensive but will facilitate timely delivery of drugs in hard-toreach areas, starting with Ukerewe.

He said the drones would be more helpful in delivering drugs mostly required in emergency cases, including vaccinations, poisons resulting from bites and blood. “Lately, the supply of drugs cost more than 3bn/- per year; therefore the pilot implementation of LVC in Mwanza Region would produce new statistics of the costs involved in the supply chain for the near future,” he said.

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