Improved access and shorter treatment times among benefIts of system, say health officialsA Thai-built medical drone lifts off during a trial run under a Ministry of Public Health programme testing faster medicine deliveries to patients on remote islands. (Photo: Department of Medical Services)Thai-built drones are being tested to deliver medicines, vaccines and medical supplies to hard-to-reach hospitals on islands, aiming to shorten treatment waiting times and improve access for patients in remote areas. The agency began testing unmanned aerial vehicles for medical logistics in 2023, starting with routes in the southern province of Satun — from the mainland to islands, director-general Dr Natthaphong Wongwiwat said on Thursday. According to Dr Natthaphong, the trials are being conducted by experienced Thai drone pilots following legally compliant flight plans, with real‑time tracking and strict temperature control to ensure product integrity. “Using drones to transport medicines and medical supplies is still very new in Thailand,” he said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 05, 2026 15:06 UTC