Conditions for the Transport of Medical Parcels Using Drones in Poland

Abstract

Drones play an increasing role in various sectors of the economy. This also applies to the transport of goods, including those requiring special transport conditions, such as medical parcels. The use of drones in transport of medical parcels has many potential benefits, such as fast delivery of medicines, blood or medical samples to hard-to-reach places, time and cost savings, the possibility of saving lives in emergency situations. However, there are several challenges and limitations associated with their implementation in medical facilities. The objective of the present article is to analyze the opinions of representatives of selected medical facilities in Poland on the conditions for the implementation of drones for the transport of medical parcels. A questionnaire was elaborated, and a survey was conducted among representatives of these institutions. The respondents’ opinions on the benefits and concerns of the use of drones in the transport of medical parcels were examined. It was found that, according to the respondents, the creation of unambiguous legal framework, as well as acquiring funds for the purchase of drones may support their application by medical institutions. The results of the research may be of interest to representatives of medical facilities and enterprises involved in the transport of medical parcels.