Malaysia is set to make history as the first country in Southeast Asia to implement drone technology for the transportation of blood samples between hospitals.
The pioneering project involves transporting blood samples from Hospital Bera to Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Hoshas) in Temerloh, a route covering about 40 kilometres by road.
Under the Proof of Concept (PoC) Medical Drone Delivery Project, the drone takes less than 30 minutes to cover an approximately 20-kilometre flight path, including a route across the Pahang River.
Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Ir Razali Kassim said the project is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is being carried out through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Health Malaysia and Alphaswift Industries Sdn Bhd.
He said the initiative demonstrates how drones could potentially support a more efficient and innovative healthcare logistics system, particularly for transporting blood samples between medical facilities.
“The successful implementation of the Medical Drone Delivery PoC marks an important milestone in exploring new technologies to support healthcare service delivery,” he said during a press conference at the Hospital Bera Medical Drone Delivery Project Achievement Recognition Ceremony at Hospital Bera today.
Razali said the project, which began in 2025, has already completed more than 100 flights carrying blood samples from Hospital Bera to Hoshas.
He added that the findings so far showed significant potential, particularly in reducing delivery times compared with road transportation while maintaining the quality of the blood samples.
The study also assessed the accuracy of laboratory test results, logistics costs, as well as feedback from healthcare staff on the advantages and limitations of both drone and conventional delivery methods.
Razali said the project has successfully passed its first phase of approval and is ready for implementation at any time, subject to the Ministry of Health’s decision.
