AIIMS Bibinagar Launches Drone Pilot Project for Medical Supplies Delivery

The drone operations in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri form part of a research initiative under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

In a major step towards improving healthcare access in remote regions, AIIMS Bibinagar joined a nationwide pilot project aimed at rapid delivery of medical supplies via drones.

The program, inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featured a live drone demonstration that captured the attention of patients and locals.

The project aims to significantly cut delivery times and bridge the healthcare gap for remote and underserved populations.

Drone Operations for Tuberculosis Control

The drone operations in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri form part of a research initiative under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Titled "Feasibility Study on the Use of Drones in the Transportation of Sputum Samples and Drugs," the project focuses on collecting samples from tribal and hilly areas to improve tuberculosis testing and treatment.

The AIIMS Bibinagar team, led by Director Dr Vikas Bhatia, includes key contributors such as Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, Head of the Community and Family Medicine (CFM) department; Dr Rashmi Kundapur, the project’s nodal person; Dr Bhushan Kamble, additional nodal person and Principal Investigator; and team members Dr Meely Panda and Dr Vidya Ganji.

Advanced Drone Technology in Medical Logistics

The drones used in this initiative were developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and operated by TSAW Drone, a Ministry of Civil Aviation-licensed agency.

The compact unmanned aerial vehicles, capable of carrying payloads of up to eight kilograms, cover distances of up to 60 kms. During the demonstration, two drones flew to the nearest health center 10 kms away, completing the round trip in under five minutes.

Medical samples were securely transported within the drone’s cabin, remotely controlled by operators who coordinated with staff at the receiving center to ensure efficient collection and testing.

Dr Vikas Bhatia, Executive Director of AIIMS Bibinagar, expressed a desire to extend drone services to tribal and underserved communities who continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare.

The AIIMS drone team also engaged with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and “Drone Didis,” local women trained to assist with drone operations, further integrating the technology into the community.

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