Washington health care provider plans to launch state’s first commercial drone deliveries

TACOMA, Wash. — A Washington health care organization said it will launch the state’s first commercial drone deliveries.

MultiCare Health System is partnering with logistics company Zipline to deliver medical products to MultiCare facilities such as hospitals, laboratories and doctors’ offices.

The drones will deliver items such as lab samples, medications and test kits. The goal is for MultiCare’s providers to have what they need, when they need it using faster, on-demand delivery that will improve the patient experience.

MultiCare said electric drone delivery won’t contribute to traffic congestion or emissions, unlike standard modes of delivery like trucks and vans.

Zipline and MultiCare plan to start deliveries in 2024 pending regulatory approvals. Deliveries will first be made in the Tacoma area then will serve Pacific Northwest facilities over the next two years.

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