On December 22, the International Drone Association (IDA) announced that it had signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Sōsa City, Chiba Prefecture, Sōsa Municipal Hospital, Mainichi Pharmacy, Yōkaichiba Gakuen, and Chiba Prefectural Sōsa High School regarding the use of drones for transporting medical supplies.
Based on the agreement, IDA will be the implementing body for drone operations and will begin demonstration experiments in January 2026 for the transportation of medical supplies, focusing on three pillars: "medical care," "drone logistics," and "education."
<People involved in the cooperation agreement>
In regional cities, access to medical facilities has become a social issue due to the aging population and the reduction of public transportation. This affects the continuity of local healthcare, resulting in issues such as "inability to pick up medication" and "inability to quickly transport specimens and medical supplies."
Therefore, we are conducting a demonstration experiment using drones to transport medicines, specimens, and medical supplies. Our goal is to create a society where people can receive necessary medical care at the right time, thereby strengthening the regional medical system and supporting those with mobility difficulties. We are also considering developing career education programs at Sōsa High School that focus on drone logistics.
At this point, no project duration has been set. The project will be considered in stages based on the results of the demonstration and local needs, and in the future, the aim is to expand beyond transportation between medical institutions and pharmacies to include delivery to private homes and application to medical support during disasters.
