Medical Drone: Misplaced Priority – Ken Agyapong

Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central has said, the much talked about Medical drone service implemented is a misplaced priority.

According to the maverick MP, this drone service will only make sense if leaders stop travelling abroad for medical treatment.

“First things first; before you take the drone to deliver the drugs, check the quality of the drugs and the facilities or the hospitals. It is more important to me… Is the drone a priority? I will say no.

“Until we have sophisticated hospitals such that we don’t have to travel to America or South Africa, then you can think of drones” he spoke on Adom TV’s Badwam.

Sharing more thoughts on the deal, Mr. Agyapong also said he did not expect Zipline to make any profits in Ghana given their mode of operations.

“The company bringing the drones has made its mind up that this is charity because it will not get its money back.” – he added. 

The government of Ghana has seek approval from parliament to engage Fly Zipline Ghana Limited, a private firm, to design, install and operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), subject to the approval of the Public Procurement Authority.

The $12 million contract is to enable government fly blood and other health essentials to deprived areas.

The drone deal has been met with a lot of displeasure from several stakeholders especially the Ghana Medical Association who have called on suspension of the deal. 

The Deputy Minister of Information Pius Enam Hadzide said the government will not suspend the deal but rather will engage in further consultations.