Altru Health System Partners with iSight Drone Services for Medical Deliveries

Altru Health System and iSight Drone Services have signed a research agreement to explore the use of drones for medical deliveries between Altru’s facilities. The partnership, reportedly announced on April 8, aims to leverage drone technology for transporting medical equipment and supplies across Altru’s network of clinics.

Funding and Regulatory Challenges

While the potential for drone-based medical deliveries is promising, the project faces significant hurdles:

1. Funding: Neither Altru nor iSight has dedicated funds for the project. They are relying on state and federal grants to finance the research.
2. Regulatory Approvals: The partners must navigate complex regulations for flying drones in urban areas and potentially across state lines.
3. Infrastructure: Additional radar infrastructure may be needed beyond North Dakota’s existing Vantis system.

Joel Larson, Altru’s legal and privacy director, stated, “Step one is to find some dollars that are going to support this research or investigation as to what’s possible.”

Scope of the Project

The partnership aims to explore drone deliveries between:

• Altru’s local facilities in Grand Forks
• Regional clinics, including those in Devils Lake and Drayton
• Potentially, clinics in Minnesota (requiring interstate agreements)

Tommy Kenville, iSight CEO, explained the project’s flexibility: “We can fly once a week with some money or once a day with a lot of money, but we also have a lot of other steps to get through.”

Technical Considerations

The project will require:

• Modifying drones to carry different payloads
• Potentially using different drones for varying flight distances
• Developing new rules for urban drone flights

Timeline and Expectations

Altru expects to have a clearer picture of the project’s viability after the next state legislative session. The success of the initiative may depend on continued state support for unmanned aerial systems infrastructure.

DroneXL’s Take

This partnership between Altru Health System and iSight Drone Services represents a significant step forward in the integration of drone technology into healthcare logistics. As we’ve previously reported, drone deliveries are gaining traction in various sectors, including healthcare.

The potential for drones to streamline medical supply chains and improve response times in healthcare settings is immense. However, as this project demonstrates, the road to implementation is complex, involving not just technological challenges but also regulatory and financial hurdles.

We’re eager to see how this project develops and whether it can overcome the obstacles it faces. If successful, it could serve as a model for other healthcare systems looking to leverage drone technology for improving patient care and operational efficiency.

What are your thoughts on using drones for medical deliveries? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Photo courtesy of iSight Drone Services