A framework for the governance of drone technology in the provision of healthcare services in Africa

Abstract

Drone technologies continue to change the dynamics of society, presenting new forms of opportunity irrespective of economic sector. These Artificial Intelligence (AI) technological advancements and their potential value envisioned are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare environment. Through AI support, drone technology has become an important technological innovation for the provision of healthcare services. However, for all its benefits, drone technology brings with it new risks that require governance mechanisms. Despite ever-increasing investment in drone technology for healthcare in Africa, drone technology governance remains under-researched. Through a literature review and secondary data analysis, the study described in this chapter sought to determine the state and readiness of drone technology governance and existing regulatory mechanisms, and to identify current challenges in African public healthcare. Importantly, the study's overall aim was to design and recommend a drone governance framework for African public healthcare and other comparative contexts. This chapter seeks to contribute to the theory, policy and practice of drone governance in the African public sector.