iDrone Initiative

May 11, 2023

The iDrone initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recorded a major feat recently with the successful test run for delivering blood bags by drones. This innovative project aims to deliver medical supplies using drones. The inaugural trial flight carried ten units of whole blood samples from the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in visual line of sight.

Validation Study

The recent trial conducted by the ICMR, LHMC, GIMS, and JIIT, Noida, marked a pioneering validation study in the country. Its objective was to assess the quality of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets through drone flights. Investigators from LHMC, GIMS, and JIIT will carry out these flights to validate the effectiveness of drone transportation on blood products. The study’s outcomes will offer valuable scientific evidence from India, exploring the effects of utilizing drones for transporting blood products.

Purpose of iDrone Initiative

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICMR introduced the i-DRONE to distribute vaccines to inaccessible regions. This initiative aims to transport essential medical resources to remote areas within the country. By utilizing drones, the transportation of blood bags and components becomes possible, ensuring the safe delivery of temperature-sensitive blood products to distant locations in the country.

Protocol Development

Scientists from ICMR-Headquarters are undertaking the protocol development, study designing, implementation, and coordination of the project. The study’s results will contribute to the creation of standardized protocols (SOPs) that can be applied on a broader scale, facilitating the utilization of drones for transporting blood bags and components. This will revolutionize the healthcare industry, especially in remote areas where access to medical facilities is limited.

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