Integrating Drone Technology into Healthcare Logistics: Optimizing Blood Bag Delivery with a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming and Block-Stacking Heuristic Approach

In traditional healthcare, prompt delivery of blood bags in highly populated urban areas is very important and delays can have a strong effect on patient outcomes thus effective logistics solutions are essential. The framework integrates a block-stacking heuristic with a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model, employing the Vehicle Routing Problem with Drones (VRPD) methodology to circumvent the constraints of traditional ground-based delivery systems. By integrating drones into the logistics network, it enables more flexible and efficient operations. This suggested method increases operational reliability and scalability in urban healthcare logistics by shortening delivery times while lowering operating delays. It addresses different datasets to check the functionality and feasibility of the framework. The algorithm opportunities extend beyond blood bags such as the delivery of time critical medical products, including vaccines and medical supplies.