Transportation and logistics to Cheung Chau, a relatively quiet and quaint outlying island of Hong Kong, have traditionally relied on ferries that operate on fixed schedules. This poses a challenge in meeting sudden and urgent medical delivery needs.

However, drones are proving to be a game changer.

As part of the Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, drones were utilised to deliver medicines from Cyberport in Hong Kong Island to St John Hospital in Cheung Chau. What would typically take 45 to 65 minutes by ferry plus walking is now accomplished in just about 20 minutes by drones.

St John Hospital Accident & Emergency Department Associate Consultant Dr. Maxime Mark said the project would improve medical services and benefit the public. For example, with drones accelerating the delivery of medical supplies like antivenoms from Hong Kong Island to Cheung Chau, “patients can remain at St John Hospital instead of being transferred to the urban area for treatment,” Mark noted.