ICMR Uses Drones to Transport Medications

October 20, 2023

In a groundbreaking initiative to transform healthcare delivery, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting a feasibility assessment in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti districts. This pioneering effort aims to harness the power of drones for transporting critical medical supplies, including medications, diagnostic samples, and sputum, to remote and challenging terrains.

Swift and Precise Healthcare Delivery

Drones have emerged as invaluable tools in healthcare, facilitating the rapid delivery of vaccines, medicines, and essential supplies to far-flung regions, especially during emergencies. ICMR’s project aims to streamline the distribution of vital medical provisions from regional hospitals in Keylong to over eight primary health centers (PHCs) in the region, spanning locations like Sissu, Gondhal, Thiort, Tholang, Jahalma, Gemur, Darcha, and Shansha.

Successful Maiden Flight

In its maiden flight, a drone efficiently transported over 100 essential medications, including antibiotics and multivitamins, from Keylong’s police grounds to the Tholang PHC. Covering a distance of 20 kilometers in just 26 minutes, the drone took off from an altitude of 11,500 feet above sea level, reaching a height of 14,500 feet above sea level, enduring freezing temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

Efficiency in Remote Regions

The drone’s return journey was equally impressive, carrying TB sputum samples, blood samples, and various diagnostic specimens back to the Keylong Center for analysis. This round trip, which typically takes 2 hours by road and is often delayed due to snowfall, was completed in a mere 26 minutes with the drone’s assistance.

Supporting Remote Regions

Drone-based delivery of healthcare essentials during emergencies holds the potential to save lives, benefitting both civilians and military personnel in challenging geographical areas.

Unlocking New Possibilities

Throughout the comprehensive testing period, scientists identified various technical and operational challenges faced by local communities when delivering essential medical items, particularly in remote and rugged landscapes. The study’s findings will provide valuable insights and lay the foundation for further exploration of drones’ utility in these areas.

Paving the Way for the Future

ICMR’s research project was conducted in collaboration with state health authorities and received vital administrative support from Keylong. The TSAW drone company provided technical support for the trials in the Lahaul area.

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