Public call to be issued for drone transport of medicines between Malta and Gozo hospitals

Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela has announced that in the coming days a public call for interest will be issued for a drone service aimed at establishing a fast and efficient transfer of pharmaceutical and biological material between Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital.

The Minister explained that over recent months, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, together with Gozo General Hospital, has worked on structuring this tender to introduce an innovative transport solution that will benefit dozens of Gozitan patients who can receive treatment in Gozo rather than travelling to Malta.

Through this service, medicines such as monoclonal antibodies are expected to be transferred regularly, safely, and rapidly, allowing more patients to access the care they need at an expanded Day Care Unit within Gozo General Hospital. The related infrastructure is currently being extended to accommodate up to fifteen patients instead of the present six.

Minister Abela praised the efforts of the Pharmacy and Pathology Departments at both hospitals and acknowledged expert input from Transport Malta, the Civil Protection Department, and officials from the United Kingdom.

Beyond medicines, the drone service will also be used to transport blood samples, fluids, and tissue specimens, enabling quicker testing and more robust diagnoses, ultimately leading to improved levels of care. The tender is intended to link all entities within the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, including San Vinċenz de Paul and the Ċensu Moran Centre.

Describing the initiative as a historic step for healthcare in Gozo, Minister Abela stated that over €1 million will be invested over the next two years to enhance comfort and quality of care for Gozitan patients on the island.