Government is partnering with United States-based drone delivery company Zipline to improve the distribution of medicines to health facilities across Lesotho.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane said this week that discussions with the company were at an advanced stage following a meeting with its representatives during his visit to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“This is an important system, and we are at an advanced stage of introducing it here in Lesotho,” Matekane told journalists at a press conference.
He said government had agreed with Zipline that the company would conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment at Ha Rapokolana in Thaba Putsoa, which is expected to serve as the hub for its operations.
“What remains is for us to make the necessary preparations, sign the cooperation agreement, and launch the programme.
“We expect the first drone to take off during the second half of next year. This will help ensure that health facilities have access to medicines at all times,” he indicated.
Matekane said the idea was partly inspired by a visit to Rwanda, where drones are used to deliver medicines and blood products to health facilities.
The system involves a central pharmacy where medicines and different blood types are stored before being dispatched by drone when required. The aircraft uses geographic coordinates to deliver the supplies and returns to its base.
The system, he said, prompted his team to engage Zipline after the company expressed interest in establishing operations at Ha Rapokolana. Mafeteng is expected to be the next district targeted under the programme, particularly because medicines are produced there.
Matekane also revealed that the initiative could create employment opportunities, including technical positions related to drone operations. Training for personnel is expected to take place in Rwanda and the United States.
The proposed partnership comes amid longstanding concerns over medicine shortages and other challenges affecting Lesotho’s healthcare system.
In June, Ombudsman Advocate Tlotliso Polaki announced an investigation into what she described as “systemic failures in the healthcare system”. The investigation includes delayed treatment and referrals, medicine shortages and preventable deaths.
Polaki stated that her office had received increasing complaints from patients, families, health professionals, civil society organisations and the media about the state of healthcare.
The Ministry of Health has also faced concerns over medicine shortages in Thaba-Tseka, Qacha’s Nek and Maseru. While maintaining that government facilities remain adequately stocked, the ministry has acknowledged persistent challenges.
