Zipline begins construction of medical drone distribution hub in Cross River State
Zipline, a global logistics company says it has commenced construction of a distribution hub in Cross Rivers State to enable takeoff of medical drone deliveries across the state.
The Country Manager of Zipline, Mrs Catherine Odiase said in a statement in Lagos on Sunday after the ceremony to flag- off construction at the site, situated at Ogoja, Local Government Area of Cross River.
The State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr Betta Edu said that it marked a milestone in improving healthcare delivery across the state.
Edu said: “Improved and timely access to healthcare is a cardinal objective of the state government. Our partnership with Zipline, underscores this.
Edu lauded the partnership saying, “the partnership with Zipline, would further ensure even distribution of medical commodities to health facilities across the state and we look forward to the earnest completion of the project, ” he said.
The Special Advisor to the Governor on Health, Dr David Ushie said, “Zipline, through its revolutionary medical drone delivery service, has a track record in removing barriers militating against access to healthcare – especially in hard-to-reach areas, a reason the community should give a full support to the project to seeing that it is delivered right within time”
The Country Manager of Zipline, Mrs Catherine Odiase, said they are thrilled to partner Cross River.
“Our partnership with Cross River State transcends delivering medical supplies. We are on a mission to reinvent healthcare delivery systems throughcutting edge solutions.
“This is with a view to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being for all at all ages,” Catherine emphasized.
“On Completion, due in about four months, the hub will facilitate deliveries of vital medical supplies to health facilities that serve millions of people across the State,” she said.
Odiase said that the center is also expected to support all health facilities with emergency response capabilities, as well as routine and stockout-response deliveries of medicines, vaccines, and blood.
She said that the distribution center will support the delivery of medical supplies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Business Intelligence (TBI Africa) recalls the state government and Zipline, recently signed an agreement for on-demand drone delivery of medical supplies to health facilities across the state.
