IN CROSS RIVER STATE; ZIPLINE AMELIORATE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE ACCESS

Zipline’s innovative drone technology is ushering in a transformative era in healthcare logistics in Cross River State. The government’s partnership with Zipline is being hailed by health facilities in communities around the Ogoja local government as vital for reshaping the landscape of medical supplies in remote areas.

Professionals in healthcare at Zipline-serviced facilities, in an interview, indicate that Zipline is changing lives by ensuring prompt and efficient delivery of life-saving medications and health supplies to the most isolated corners of the state. The impact is particularly evident in the Ijiraga and Mfuma Primary Health Centers, which had previously struggled with frequent medication shortages and delayed restocking, compromising patient care.

Since the collaboration with the federal state, these centers are now able to offer efficient and reliable healthcare services to their patients. Mr. Augustine Okpotu, the Director at the Ijiraga Primary Health Centre, shares his experience, noting that Zipline’s drone technology has been a game-changer in addressing the core parameters of primary healthcare: affordability, availability, and accessibility.

According to Mr. Augustine, the Zipline drone technology has significantly reduced the cost of moving out of the facility to buy drugs. Even with fuel scarcity and transportation restrictions, accessing required medical products has become easy through just a phone call or a text message. Previously, long wait times and an out-of-stock syndrome deterred people from coming to primary health care facilities, but now they compete with higher-level healthcare facilities in terms of drug availability.

Mr. Raphael Ochim, the Director of the Mfuma PHC, attests to the transformative impact of Zipline, stating that the drone technology and service have been really good and helpful. It is less expensive, fast, and accurate. They no longer have to pay for transportation or transport themselves to far distances to get drugs; a simple call results in prompt delivery. The sight of drones delivering drugs has increased trust in the quality of drugs, boosting patient numbers at the facility.

Zipline’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operations. Their robust feedback network ensures that healthcare providers are always in the loop, receiving regular updates on delivery statuses. This thorough attention to detail and alignment with the needs of healthcare facilities underscore Zipline’s dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility.

The company currently serves over 13 million Nigerians across Kaduna, Cross River, and Bayelsa States, covering more than 46,000 square kilometers and servicing over 1,000 healthcare facilities. With more than 100,000 deliveries of healthcare products and almost 7 million products delivered globally, the skies over Cross River State are no longer just a backdrop; they are active conduits of health and hope, thanks to Zipline’s pioneering drone technology.

Source: Techeconomy