Bangkok: For the first time in Thailand, drones are being utilized to deliver medicines and medical supplies over high mountains in response to disasters. The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with True Corporation Public Company Limited, has partnered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to launch this initiative.
According to Thai News Agency, the NBTC and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) have inaugurated a "Medical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Operation" in honor of His Majesty the King. They have also introduced SkyBridge, an automated air transport management platform designed to overcome geographical limitations, shortening the distance and time required to transport medicines and medical supplies over high altitudes during crises.
Plans are in place to expand the program to 10 additional remote areas, including Thepratana Vechanukul Hospital in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. The aim is to integrate this technology into the healthcare system for both normal and emergency situations. The project was officially launched at Phaya Phanong Stadium in Nan Province, with Mr. Narin Kalyanmitr, Advisor to the Minister of Public Health, presiding over the event.
The "Medical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations" project is Thailand's first successful application of drone technology in the medical field. The initiative supports longer flight distances and employs "True SkyBridge," the first and only autonomous air logistics platform integrated into the healthcare process. This platform utilizes AI-powered flight data and a comprehensive safety system, designed by True Corporation's Research and Innovation Center.
True SkyBridge is built on True's intelligent network and is applied to support medical and public health services across Thailand. This technology upgrade aims to enhance the national healthcare logistics infrastructure, with the first real-world operation commencing in Nan Province under the "Pua Model." The mountainous terrain presents challenges that the SkyBridge platform is designed to overcome, ensuring uninterrupted access to medical care even in remote regions.
The project addresses critical needs within the Thai public health system by overcoming geographical limitations, particularly in remote and mountainous areas where land transportation may be unreliable or impossible. The ultimate goal is to ensure that distance and time are not barriers to patient care, allowing for timely medical service delivery during crises.
The initiative underscores the importance of integrated collaboration to establish a new, intelligent national medical logistics infrastructure. The 'True SkyBridge' platform connects hospitals and medical service units, enhancing the quality and speed of medical services through an automated air transport system. This aligns with True Corporation's commitment to utilizing digital technology to improve quality of life and create sustainable value for society.
Mr. Narin Kalyanamit emphasized that the Ministry of Public Health is committed to developing the healthcare system, ensuring equitable and quality healthcare services for all citizens, particularly in remote and border areas. This project, launched in honor of His Majesty the King's birthday, utilizes medical UAVs to navigate challenging terrains and frequent natural disasters, ensuring efficient delivery of medical supplies and services.
Mr. Ekkarat Panjawinin, Head of Research and Innovation at True Corporation, highlighted that the 'True SkyBridge' platform significantly upgrades national healthcare logistics, managing all aspects of medical transportation from route planning to real-time tracking and fleet management. The system's security, traceability, and scalability are designed for future national network integration.
The "Pua Model" demonstration included two flights showing the effectiveness of drone delivery in reducing transport times. The "Continuity Model" and "Response Model" demonstrated significant time savings compared to land transport, illustrating the project's potential to revolutionize medical logistics in Thailand.