Dubai-Based UPS Extends Drone Delivery Support to HP Amid Natural Calamities

UPS' drone delivery is to ensure efficient supply of medicines and vaccines to the remote corners of the state. The company is also offering essential medicines and vaccines to the Himachal Pradesh government at no cost.

Dubai-based United Parcel Service (UPS), one of the leading logistics companies, has initiated talks with the government of Himachal Pradesh, to offer drone delivery of essential medicines and vaccines in the wake of adverse natural calamities in the region. 

UPS proposed efficient supply of medicines and vaccines to the remote corners of the state. It also offered to provide essential medicines and vaccines to the Himachal Pradesh government at no cost. 

The proposal came during a recent discussion between Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Christina Struller Da Costa, VP of UPS, along with Dinkar Singh, director, UPS.

CM Sukhu expressed gratitude for UPS's proposal to enhance healthcare delivery in remote areas. He said, "The Department of Digital Technology and Governance will work on a comprehensive proposal in collaboration with the company. The state government will assess and consider their proposal for improving healthcare services."

Given the extensive damage caused by torrential rains and landslides during the monsoon season, the State Government has been working tirelessly, albeit with limited resources, to assist affected individuals. 

Himachal Pradesh has allocated a relief package of INR 4500 Cr to aid recovery efforts. The populace's generous contributions, surpassing INR 200 Cr towards the Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023, have been instrumental in mitigating challenges during this trying period.

Secretary of Digital Technology and Governance, Dr Abhishek Jain, also participated in the deliberation, highlighting the collaborative approach to addressing the healthcare and logistical needs arising from the calamity.

The relentless monsoon rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and cloudbursts across Himachal Pradesh. Official reports indicate that the current monsoon season has claimed the lives of 400 individuals in rain-related incidents while causing extensive damage to over 13,000 houses. 

The timely and robust assistance from UPS comes as a ray of hope, promising to bolster healthcare access in the face of such adversities.Supplying essential healthcare deliveries at remote areas has been quite a trend recently.

Weeks back, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has partnered with Delhi-based TSAW Drones, a drone logistics startup, to deliver crucial medical supplies.As part of the ICMR's ongoing six-month project, regular supplies will be provided to healthcare facilities in three key districts: Yaddari Bhuvanagiri district in Telangana, Manipal district in Karnataka, and Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh. 

Furthermore, Skye Air Mobility has expanded its drone delivery service to Kolkata's New Town area after expanding to Himachal Pradesh.However, its full-scale operations are slated to commence within six months after an initial rollout within the next two to three months.