WASHINGTON, DC – IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), says it is partnering with 19Labs to pilot the use of drone technology for delivering critical medical supplies to some of Guyana’s remote hinterland communities.
19Labs is a pioneer in transforming rural healthcare solutions across Latin America. Through its partnership with Guyana’s Ministry of Health, the company has introduced telemedicine services to connect regional hospitals to remote health facilities.
“This project represents a monumental leap forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. By integrating cutting-edge drone technology, we are not only enhancing healthcare delivery in remote regions but also setting a new standard for accessibility and efficiency,” said Irene Arias Hofman, chief executive officer of IDB Lab.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities and reinforces our role in driving progress in health innovation.”
Chief executive officer and founder of 19Labs, Ram Fish, said its work in Latin America has shown an urgent need for drone delivery solutions for remote areas.
“No provider offers a cost-effective, long-range, two-way drone system for deliveries exceeding 100 kilometers safely. After a year of development, we are proud to launch our solution in Guyana in early 2025,” said Fish.
IDB Lab said this initiative enhances the country’s expanding telemedicine and digital health network by providing a cost-effective, long-range, two-way drone-delivery system that can transport medical supplies in remote and geographically isolated regions.
The pilot is expected to benefit over 20,000 residents served by 15 telemedicine centers in most remote communities.
IDB Lab said by combining drone delivery with telemedicine, the initiative will enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce stockpiling of medical supplies and associated waste, while ensuring that communities have regular and emergency access to medications.
It said the success of this pilot will guide the nationwide expansion of drone technology as a valuable complement to telemedicine services.
The new drone programme will enhance these efforts by ensuring timely and reliable delivery of medical supplies and blood samples for lab testing, improving access to care, and reducing transportation time and costs.
The project will create training and local job opportunities for drone operators, technicians, and community coordinators. It includes the development of a scalable business model for replication in other regions.
The partnership between IDB Lab and 19Labs exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can transform healthcare systems and set a precedent for sustainable, scalable healthcare solutions across the globe.
