Cross River State Introduces Drones to Enhance Rural Healthcare – Official

Cross River State's Health Commissioner, Henry Ayuk, has revealed that the use of drone technology is helping to enhance access to vital medicines in underserved rural areas, thereby boosting healthcare delivery throughout the state.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar on Wednesday, Mr. Ayuk, who is also a medical doctor, detailed how the initiative has made a significant impact on communities that previously faced barriers to healthcare.

The state government is collaborating with Zipline, a logistics and delivery service, to ensure that more than 300 health facilities benefit from this innovative strategy, particularly those situated in riverine and hard-to-reach mountainous regions.

Mr. Ayuk elaborated on the effectiveness of drone technology, claiming it has markedly improved healthcare distribution systems and facilitated wider immunization efforts, as well as the timely delivery of essential medicines to every corner of the state, including isolated and challenging terrains.

Furthermore, he noted that the project reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and enhancing overall service delivery across Cross River State.

According to the commissioner, this initiative builds on similar efforts previously established in Kaduna and Bayelsa states, where Zipline also plays an essential role in healthcare logistics.

“The implementation of drones has advanced healthcare delivery in Cross River, promoting efficiency and quick responses in distributing medical supplies,” Mr. Ayuk remarked. “This technology has not only accelerated delivery to hard- to-reach locations but also minimized waste and helped reduce the distribution of counterfeit drugs, ensuring that the state’s drug supply system remains trusted and effective.”

Mr. Ayuk highlighted additional healthcare initiatives under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu that aim to enhance healthcare infrastructures, provide broader access, and elevate the quality of services available to residents.

He mentioned that significant progress has been made in upgrading and renovating about 100 primary healthcare centers across the 18 local government areas in the state to improve healthcare access and quality.

Specific healthcare facilities have also been designated to cater to the needs of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and expectant mothers, ensuring they receive prioritized medical attention throughout the state.

Mr. Ayuk indicated that multiple upgraded primary healthcare centers have already been finalized, while several others are nearing completion as part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the state's healthcare systems.

Additionally, he emphasized a comprehensive disease control strategy that combines both preventive and treatment measures, advocating for timely detection and effective public health interventions to manage outbreaks.

Thanks to increased awareness campaigns and educational programs targeting the community, there has been a notable decrease in disease outbreaks, signifying a positive shift towards enhanced public health practices. The continuous provision of primary health education and effective surveillance systems ensures a rapid response to reported cases, effectively mitigating the spread of diseases in the state.