DEPUTY Speaker and Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo has underscored the Government’s commitment to modernising healthcare delivery through the deployment of drone technology to serve remote and hinterland communities.
“The Honourable Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, guided by HE President Irfaan Ali, has already tested drones to provide an upgrade in services in Guyana,” Dr. Mahadeo stated during his address to the National Assembly on Budget 2026.
Guyana’s Ministry of Health has partnered with 19Labs and IDB Lab to deploy the Gale Force drone system, designed specifically for long-range medical logistics.
The drones are capable of transporting up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cargo across distances of approximately 150 kilometers, allowing for two-way delivery of critical supplies and medical samples.
“Once again, Sir, we will be leading the way; we will be promoting better services, and we will be providing more timely services,” Dr. Mahadeo told the Speaker.
The drone network is being integrated with Guyana’s expanding telemedicine platform to strengthen healthcare access in isolated regions such as Region One (Barima-Waini) and communities in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), including Wiruni, Ituni and Malali.
“Think about blood and blood products, medicines, and artificial supplies that need to be delivered to remote communities in a timely manner,” Dr. Mahadeo said, adding: “A world-class healthcare for the whole of Guyana is definitely in the making, and we are well on our way, Sir.”
Recent operational tests conducted in early 2026 have confirmed the system’s readiness, with a phased national rollout, particularly for urgent blood delivery, expected in the coming months.