Demonstration of autonomous fixed-wing drone delivery of prescribed medications in remote islands in Japan

In rural areas, physicians and dentists often dispense medications without pharmacists. Technology that can safely and promptly deliver medications is required so that pharmacists, even those at a distance, can dispense them in a timely manner.

We demonstrated a combination of online medication counseling and drone delivery of medications dispensed by pharmacists in two rural clinics located far from pharmacies on remote islands in Japan. After being prescribed by physicians, dispensed by pharmacists, and online medication counseling, the medications were transported by autonomous fixed-wing drones, dropped, and picked up by the staff. Following Japanese regulations, our drones could only fly over the sea and drop medications on the shore. After the demonstration, we administered a questionnaire.

A total of 62 patients participated in the demonstration, which was successful except for two patients whose drone deliveries were canceled because of strong winds. Most patients received their medications after more than an hour. Individual home delivery costs were involved because the delivery spot was restricted to the shore. More than 80% of the patients were satisfied with online medication counseling, but a few expressed the desire to receive their medication at the clinic.

Prescribed medication delivery using drones was technically feasible. This project will contribute to separating the prescribing and dispensing functions, promote pharmacist participation in rural areas, and expand patient treatment options. Methods for checking and monitoring the delivery spot, ensuring successful delivery, and covering the cost of drone delivery need further exploration.