TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations said Monday drone medication deliveries may pose risks to drug preservation and create security issues.
Federation Chair Huang Chin-shun (黃金舜) said that sunlight exposure may degrade temperature-sensitive medications. He added that medications may risk theft or damage during transportation.
Health and Welfare Ministry Information Management Department Director Li Chien-chang (李建璋) told CNA the program has begun testing in Hualien and Hsinchu. Thirty flight tests are set to be implemented within a year to collect aerial data in Phase 1.
According to Li, Phase 2 will involve establishing flight standards for drone medication delivery with the Civil Aviation Administration. Li said that Phase 3 will launch the program in rural areas and under harsh weather conditions.
Huang said the U.K. and Australia had begun the services and expressed optimism over the nation’s drone medication delivery development.
Huang added the nation’s pharmacies are widespread and provide medication instructions, particularly for elderly individuals. Therefore, this program needs to be fully reassessed.