By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Luke Commission (TLC) has once again made headlines with the impeccable success of its Nkwe drone project, a groundbreaking initiative that has revolutionized healthcare delivery in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
According to Mbongiseni Tsela, TLC’s Operations Manager, the project has exceeded expectations, completing over 700 flights to approximately 30 health facilities across the country within just two and a half months.
“The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, more than we could have expected,” Tsela shared.
“The nation has embraced the Nkwe drone network with open hands and has been helpful in advocating for the service because they are benefiting from it on a day-to-day basis.
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Due to the nation’s cooperation, we have not yet had any gaps or challenges so far.”
The Nkwe drone network, which aims to deliver essential medication and supplies to marginalized and hard-to-reach populations, has been said to be a game-changer for Eswatini’s healthcare system.
When asked if the project’s goal of reaching these populations had been met, Tsela confidently affirmed that they have successfully reached the intended communities and are looking forward to expanding the service.
“We started the implementation of the Nkwe drone network in rural communities, but we have now started servicing both rural and urban areas as the operations continue to grow,” Tsela added.
The Luke Commission is a local non-governmental organization that has been dismantling barriers to healthcare access in Eswatini since 2005.
The organization has recently launched the nation’s first long-range medical drone network in collaboration with Australian-based drone company Swoop Aero and disaster response organization Red Lightning.
This initiative was hailed as it was shared that it represents a significant advancement in Eswatini’s healthcare delivery system, which will ensure that even the most remote areas receive the medical attention they need.