NYAMIRA, Kenya, June 22- Critics have raised valid concerns regarding the decision of Governor Amos Nyaribo to launch a drone delivery system for drugs in Nyamira County.
They argue that the county’s healthcare system is facing more pressing issues, such as the lack of basic supplies and infrastructure in health centers.
These critics question the prioritization of advanced technology over addressing these fundamental challenges.
Sam Nyauma, a concerned citizen, expressed his disbelief at the need for drones in a region that is easily accessible by road.
He questioned the necessity of delivering drugs via drones when health centers lack basic necessities.
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Similarly, Zachary Masimba, another critic, highlighted that the Kenyan drug distribution model does not require the use of drones, suggesting that the county should focus on more practical solutions.
Omogambi Achoki raised a valid point about the availability of drugs in health facilities. He argued that there is often a shortage of essential drugs, rendering the drone delivery system ineffective.
He also questioned the amount of money spent on this initiative, referring to it as a publicity stunt.
These critics shed light on the potential misplaced priorities of Governor Nyaribo. While the introduction of drone technology may seem like a step forward, the concerns raised about the lack of basic supplies and infrastructure in health centers cannot be ignored.
It is essential to address these issues first and ensure that healthcare facilities are adequately equipped to provide essential services to the population.
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Critics also questioned the actual drugs that would be delivered using drones. They pointed out that the availability of drugs in health facilities is often inconsistent, and therefore, the focus should be on addressing these supply chain challenges rather than investing in new technologies.
The launch of the drone delivery system took place on June 21, 2023, with Governor Nyaribo expressing his enthusiasm for embracing technology and its potential to enhance timely access to health services.
He emphasized the need to establish an ICT hub that would train local youth in technology and online job opportunities.
“I’m very much delighted that finally my dream to promote technology in our region is becoming a reality,” Governor Nyaribo stated. “In August, we are going to enroll 48 students to start learning and also loan them through our Inuka Fund so that they equip themselves with technological skills and proper equipment.”
The governor claimed to have been inspired by the efficiency and effectiveness of drone technology during a benchmarking mission in Rwanda with colleagues from the Lake Region Economic Bloc.
He highlighted the potential benefits of using drones in emergency situations, such as delivering drugs to save the lives of expectant mothers and their babies within a short time frame.
The main objective of introducing the drone delivery system is to create logistics solutions that cater to all wards equally.
Governor Nyaribo emphasized that it would address issues such as drug expiries, stockouts, and the availability of blood, ultimately reducing time wastage in the supply chain.
To showcase the capabilities of the drone system, two drones successfully delivered drugs from Chemelil in Kisumu County to Chepng’ombe within 55 minutes.
Winfred Muiruri, the General Manager of Zipline Kenya, commended the Nyamira County Government for its efforts to improve healthcare services and encouraged students to embrace technology.
Zipline, the drone delivery company, has already established a distribution hub in Kisumu County to serve health projects and facilities across the Lake Region Economic Bloc Counties. Nyamira County now becomes the second county in Kenya to adopt this technology.
Zipline specializes in providing automated, on-demand delivery of medical products in hard-to-reach areas.
Their services include the delivery of vaccines, whole blood, infusions, platelets, frozen plasma, and other essential medical supplies.
The drones can cover distances of up to 80 to 120 kilometers from the Zipline center within a time frame of 10 to 55 minutes, significantly reducing delivery times compared to road transportation.
The drones are equipped with advanced features, including the ability to detect other aircraft on their flight path and divert to avoid collisions. Additionally, Zipline maintains backup drones in case of any malfunctions during flight operations.
While the introduction of drone technology for drug delivery may seem innovative and promising, critics argue that the primary focus should be on addressing the fundamental challenges facing the healthcare system in Nyamira County.
They point out the lack of basic supplies and infrastructure in health facilities, emphasizing the need to prioritize these issues before investing in advanced technologies.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Dr. Ombati, expressed gratitude to Governor Nyaribo for the milestone achievement but also acknowledged the importance of ensuring that proper measures are in place in every facility to guarantee smooth service delivery.
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