Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health will soon operate the largest hospital-based drone delivery network in the U.S.
The health system is partnering with medical drone startup Zipline to transport prescriptions, lab samples and medical supplies across three markets. Medications and supplies will be delivered to patients’ homes, while lab specimens will be transported between hospitals and laboratories to help speed processing times.
Drone deliveries will launch in Advocate’s Charlotte market in 2027 before expanding to its Chicago and Milwaukee markets. The system also aims to extend the service to rural areas in Georgia.
At full scale, the health system said it expects to handle more than 100,000 deliveries annually.
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