IDB Lab Partners with 19Labs to Launch Long-Range Drone-Delivered Medical Aid in Guyana's Hinterland

19Labs, with backing from IDB Lab, has unveiled GALE | Force, a two-way, long-range drone system designed to bring critical medical supplies to underserved areas. This system will create a robust and enduring solution for rural healthcare logistics.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 19Labs, a leader in rural healthcare innovation, has partnered with IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to introduce GALE | Force, a long-range, cost-effective, two-way drone delivery system designed to transport medical supplies to Guyana's remote hinterland communities. This initiative strengthens Guyana's expanding telemedicine and digital health network by tackling the persistent challenge of delivering critical healthcare resources to geographically isolated areas.
"Our work in Latin America has shown an urgent need for drone delivery solutions in remote areas. No provider offers a cost-effective, long-range, two-way drone system for deliveries exceeding 100 kilometers safely," said Ram Fish, CEO and Founder of 19Labs. "After a year of development, we are proud to launch GALE | Force in Guyana in early 2025."
19Labs has a proven track record of pioneering rural healthcare solutions across Latin America. Through its partnership with Guyana's Ministry of Health, the company has introduced telemedicine services that connect regional hospitals with remote health facilities. GALE | Force will enhance these efforts by ensuring timely and reliable delivery of medical supplies and blood samples for lab testing, improving access to care while reducing transportation time and costs.

The pilot program will benefit over 20,000 residents served by 15 telemedicine centers in some of the most remote communities. By integrating drone delivery with telemedicine, the initiative will optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce medical stockpiling and waste, and ensure emergency and routine medical supplies are readily available. The project will also create local job opportunities, including drone operators, technicians, and community coordinators to support safe operations.

The name GALE | Force reflects the speed and resilience of 19Labs' drone technology. While GALE has always represented digital healthcare innovation—named in honor of Florence Nightingale—GALE | Force now extends this vision into physical healthcare logistics. Additionally, the name is inspired by gale-force winds, which range of miles per hour is the operating speed of the GALE | Force drones. This speed ensures timely and reliable deliveries, even in the most challenging environments.

Unlike existing drone delivery systems, 19Labs' GALE | Force solution is built for sustainable, extensible, and long-term rural healthcare logistics. The success of this pilot will inform the expansion of drone technology as a value-added complement to telemedicine services across Guyana and beyond.

"This project represents a monumental leap forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. By integrating cutting-edge drone technology, we are not only enhancing healthcare delivery in remote regions but also setting a new standard for accessibility and efficiency," said Irene Arias Hoffman, CEO of IDB Lab. "This initiative underscores our dedication to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities and reaffirms our position as pioneers in health innovation."

The partnership between 19Labs and IDB Lab exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can transform healthcare systems. By integrating drones with telemedicine, the project aims to create a more inclusive healthcare model that serves vulnerable populations while setting a precedent for sustainable, scalable healthcare solutions across the globe.

About 19Labs

19Labs is a global pioneer in transforming rural healthcare through innovative telemedicine and digital health solutions. Founded with the mission to bridge the healthcare access gap, 19Labs empowers underserved and remote communities with its groundbreaking GALE platform, an all-in-one system integrating telehealth, diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring. From Mexico to Guyana and beyond, 19Labs has partnered with governments, healthcare organizations, and global leaders to deliver accessible, affordable, and effective care where it's needed most. Inspired by Florence Nightingale's legacy, 19Labs combines cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to health equity, ensuring that location is never a barrier to quality healthcare. Together with partners like Zoom, Amwell, EchoNous, and others, 19Labs is reshaping the future of healthcare for millions worldwide.

Press Contact: Ram Fish, 6506448660, http://19labs.com/

SOURCE 19Labs