A new service, co-run by the Maharashtra government in India, will deliver drugs to remote locations in the region using drones, reports Forbes India.

Zipline, the California-based logistics company running the operation, has also successfully used their technology to supply medications in Rwanda and Ghana.

Justin Hamilton, head of global communications and public affairs at Zipline, says: "If a mother in childbirth begins to haemorrhage and needs blood, doctors can WhatsApp Zipline. The closest distribution centre will load the required blood type into a box with a parachute on a drone. The package is likely to reach in 30 minutes instead of 4-6 hours."

According to the report, the service is likely to start early next year. The drones are purported to have a weight capacity of 1.8kg and will be based at Zipline distribution centres only. Two distribution centres in Pune and Nandurbar will be the first to launch the project, says the report.

"Millions across the world die each year because they can’t get the medicine they need when they want it," says Keller Rinaudo, CEO, Zipline. "Instant drone delivery can help solve that problem. We hope to ensure that millions of people have on-demand, instant access to blood, vaccines and critical medicines they need to stay healthy and alive."

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