The Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Prof. Titus Beyuo, has called on the government to prioritize the development of local blood banks over reliance on the Zipline drone delivery service for nationwide blood distribution.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, December 2, Prof. Beyuo argued that the resources currently allocated to Zipline could be more effectively used to equip district hospitals with blood storage facilities, enabling blood donations to be collected, stored, and distributed locally.
“This money, if given to the National Blood Service, could set up blood bank services across all districts. Blood could be stored locally and used where it is needed, rather than spending on drones to fly non-emergency items like condoms,” he stated.
The lawmaker stressed that blood is a critical and often life-saving resource, and having it readily available within districts would ensure faster response times in emergencies.
Prof. Beyuo also criticized Zipline for moving away from its original mandate of providing emergency medical deliveries, noting that routine distribution of non-critical items could easily be handled through Ghana’s existing supply chain.
He highlighted that while technology-driven solutions are valuable, investing in local infrastructure offers a more sustainable and efficient approach to meeting the country’s healthcare needs.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed that Zipline has been delivering a variety of non-emergency items, including condoms, mosquito nets, blood-donor cards, food and nutrition supplies, syringes and needles, as well as educational materials such as textbooks and uniforms.
The Lambussie MP insists that a stronger focus on district-level blood bank infrastructure would not only improve access to life-saving blood but also make more efficient use of public funds, ensuring that donations are available where and when they are most needed.
He urged the government to carefully evaluate the balance between innovative delivery solutions and the need to strengthen local healthcare systems.
