Pahang hospitals test drones to deliver blood samples
BLOOD samples have been transported by drone between Hospital Bera and Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Hoshas) in Temerloh in a pilot project believed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Pahang Public Works, Transport and Hea...
In a groundbreaking pilot project, hospitals in Pahang have tested the use of drones to deliver blood samples, marking potentially the first such initiative in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The trial, led by Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Ir Razali Kassim, aimed to determine if drones could safely transport blood samples without compromising health or aviation standards.
The project, which concluded on August 20, 2026, saw over 120 drone flights conducted to assess various aspects of the delivery process. These included delivery times, sample condition upon arrival, test accuracy, logistics costs, and feedback from hospital staff. The trial commenced with a drop test on December 11, 2025, proceeded with a drone flight on January 22, and concluded with a medical drone crash response exercise on February 11.
Hospital Bera and Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Hoshas) in Temerloh, approximately 20 kilometers apart, benefited from this innovative approach. Results showed the drone delivery took about 20 minutes, a significant reduction from the 44 minutes typically required by road. This efficiency could prove invaluable during emergencies like floods, traffic congestion, or other disruptions that hinder road travel.
While the trial demonstrated promising results, Razali noted that the project is still in its experimental phase and not yet adopted as an operational service by the Health Ministry. The next steps involve a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis, taking into account conventional transportation costs such as ambulances, drivers, and fuel. Such an analysis is crucial before any potential expansion of the drone delivery system.
The trial also addressed the specific challenges of transporting biological materials, adhering to strict procedures while complying with both biological transport regulations and aviation guidelines. Razali emphasized that this comprehensive approach provided essential insights into both the technological feasibility and procedural requirements before any broader implementation could be considered.
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