The trial of medicine delivery using drones has already begun by MCMC in Sabah. We are just getting started but during this year's Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has used a drone system to deliver medicine and medical supplies to treatment centres when needed. The use of drones has shortened the time to deliver medicine from 1 hour to 6 minutes, allowing treatment to be provided to those in need much faster.
More than 2000 types of medicine and medical equipment can be delivered using a network of 136 locations. The drones will then deliver the cargo carried to six main medical centres located in Mina, Muzdalifah and Mount Arafah. The location was chosen because it will be the focus of 1.25 million Hajj pilgrims who will begin from June 4 to June 9. This drone system is operated by NUPCO, which is a supplier of medical equipment in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is integrating various latest technologies to ensure that the Hajj pilgrimage can be carried out smoothly and safely. After the Muassim Tunnel tragedy 35 years ago, pilgrim movement simulation software was used to control traffic to the Jamrah throwing location.
Smart applications are also now being used to ensure that only pilgrims with valid visas can perform the pilgrimage, with over 200,000 individuals so far being prevented. The move comes after more than 1,300 deaths were reported last year due to hot weather, the majority of which involved pilgrims performing the Hajj without permission.
Also introduced a few years ago were electric vehicles to help pilgrims perform the tawaf at the Grand Mosque, replacing the need to use wheels and carry pilgrims as before.