Hong Kong trials drone-based medical deliveries
Photo credit: news.gov.hk/Information Services Department, Hong Kong
The pilot forms part of a wider push to integrate drones into emergency response and low-altitude logistics in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Hospital Authority has launched a pilot project with logistics firm SF Express to test the drone delivery of medicines. The trial saw a drone carry supplies from Cyberport to St John Hospital on Cheung Chau island, cutting delivery times from up to 65 minutes by ferry to just 20 minutes.
According to SF Express, the 12km flight demonstrated stable operations and communications. St John Hospital plans to expand the service to urgent supplies such as antivenoms.
The initiative is part of Hong Kong’s Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox, which is testing 38 drone projects across logistics, agriculture, tourism, and emergency response.
Similar trials are underway elsewhere: Malaysia recently tested medical drone deliveries in Sabah, while a project in Sydney is trialing hydrogen-powered drones to serve remote communities.
Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS Terminal was recently deployed for Maryland medical drone deliveries.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.