Majority Leader urges GHS to buy own drones for medicine delivery instead of paying Zipline GH¢170m yearly

Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, has urged the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to consider purchasing its own drones for the delivery of blood products and essential medicines. 

He said that will be prudent than spending GH¢170 million annually on Zipline centres, which provide drone services for the distribution of medical supplies across the country.   

While responding to the issue of planned closure of three Zipline centres on Friday, Mr Ayariga argued that the GHS could acquire drones at more affordable rates, thereby reducing costs and ensuring sustainability of delivery of blood products and essential medicines. 

He further expressed support for the cancellation of existing Zipline contracts, which currently distribute medical supplies across the country on behalf of the GHS.   

Mr Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, added that the GH¢170 million expenditure annually on Zipline centres, could alternatively be invested in constructing roads to remote communities, which would improve accessibility and healthcare delivery in the long term.   

Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, the New Patriotic Party MP for Effiduase-Asokore and Ranking Member on the Health Committee, disclosed that three Zipline centres – Anum, Sefwi Wiawso, and Krachi were billed for closure due to government indebtedness amounting to GH¢175 million owed to Zipline.   

The debate over the future of Zipline’s operations in Ghana has sparked discussions on cost efficiency, infrastructure development, and the sustainability of healthcare delivery in underserved areas.   

Source: GNA 

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