ANWB, UMCG and Groningen Airport Eelde join forces for a medical drone network in the Northern Netherlands
A drone that transports life saving medical goods through the air may sound futuristic, but in the Northern Netherlands it will soon become reality.
The ANWB, the University Medical Center Groningen UMCG and Groningen Airport Eelde GAE have today signed a letter of intent for the development of an innovative medical drone network between hospitals and care institutions in the region.
This network aims to enable faster, more efficient and more sustainable logistics for medical goods between care providers in the region. The collaboration takes place within the sub consortium Medical Drone Network Northern Netherlands, which is part of the national ANWB Medical Drones initiative launched in 2019 by ANWB Medical Air Assistance.
The project focuses on safely and reliably transporting items such as blood products, medication and diagnostic samples by drone, with the goal of strengthening acute and routine healthcare logistics.
“For the UMCG, the patient always comes first. By deploying medical drones, we can support diagnostics and treatment more quickly, which directly contributes to better and more timely care for patients across the region,” emphasizes Stephanie Klein Nagelvoort-Schuit, Vice Chair of the UMCG Executive Board.
Marga de Jager, CEO of the ANWB, explains, “With 30 years of experience delivering emergency medical care by trauma helicopter, it is a logical step for the ANWB to contribute to innovative aerial healthcare logistics through drones as well. The use of drones fits seamlessly with our ambition to contribute to future proof healthcare with smart mobility solutions.”
Meiltje de Groot, CEO of Groningen Airport Eelde, adds, “Although GAE is not a formal project partner, we play a key role as a logistical and operational link. Thanks to our central location, knowledge of airspace procedures and expertise in aviation regulation, we can facilitate safe drone operations. This collaboration enables us to actively contribute to innovative applications of aviation technology in healthcare.”
The letter of intent forms the basis for further cooperation. The parties commit to jointly developing an implementation plan, which will include test flights, airspace procedures and safety measures. Each party will bear its own costs and responsibilities.