ICMR Tests Drone Delivery for Remote Healthcare in Himachal Pradesh

The potential of drones in healthcare is becoming increasingly vital, especially for rapidly delivering vaccines, medicines, and essential supplies to isolated regions during emergencies.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is venturing into drone technology for healthcare in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh in alignment with India's drone ecosystem development initiative.

This effort seeks to evaluate the feasibility of using drones to transport critical medical supplies, including medications and diagnostic samples, to remote areas.

The potential of drones in healthcare is becoming increasingly vital, especially for rapidly delivering vaccines, medicines, and essential supplies to isolated regions during emergencies.

The ICMR project aims to optimise the distribution of crucial medical resources from regional hospitals in Keylong to more than eight primary health centres (PHCs) in the area, covering various locations such as Sissu, Gondhal, Thiort, Tholang, Jahalma, Gemur, Darcha, and Shansha.

ICMR, in collaboration with the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre-Gorakhpur (Field Station Keylong), has put together a dedicated team responsible for protocol development and execution.

The project's maiden flight witnessed a drone successfully transporting over 100 essential medications, covering a distance of 20 kilometres in just 26 minutes. The drone took off from 11,500 feet above sea level (ASL) and ascended to 14,500 feet ASL, with temperatures plummeting to -15 degrees Celsius at its highest point.

On its return journey, the drone carried vital diagnostic specimens, including TB sputum and blood samples, back to the Keylong Centre for thorough analysis.

This round trip, which typically consumes about two hours by road and can be delayed due to snowfall, was completed in 26 minutes using the drone.

ICMR will continue conducting test flights to different PHCs in the near future.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Rajiv Bahl, secretary of DHR and director general of ICMR, said, "This 'i-DRONE' was first used during the COVID-19 pandemic by ICMR for distributing vaccines to unreachable areas. Earlier this year, we were able to successfully complete the trials for the delivery of blood and blood-related products, which are supposed to be kept at a low temperature. In the present study, we are aiming to deliver the medications and diagnostic samples at subzero-temperature areas and difficult regions with altitudes over 12,000 ft. This is an initiative towards making an impact in the lives of people residing in remote areas."

Anu Nagar, joint secretary, DHR, emphasised the transformative potential of drone-based healthcare delivery, marking these feasibility trials as game changers that lay the foundation for future healthcare activities and strengthen the Indian healthcare sector.

Dr Ajay Thakur, medical officer, Lahaul and Spiti, applauded the initiative, emphasising its potential to save lives in emergencies and provide invaluable support in difficult geographical regions for civilians and military personnel.

Throughout the comprehensive testing period, scientists have encountered various technical and operational challenges, which will offer valuable insights into delivering essential medical items, particularly in remote and challenging landscapes.

The study findings will help determine whether drones can effectively complement conventional medical supply methods in these demanding geographical conditions.

The successful execution of this trial was made possible with the support of state health authorities and Keylong's administrative backing. The district administrative and health authorities, including Mayank Chaudhary, Dr Ajay Thakur, and Dr Kunal Rawat, played a crucial role in the trial's success.

Technical support for the project was provided by the TSAW drone company, facilitating the trials in the Lahaul area.

ICMR, based in New Delhi, is India's apex body for biomedical research formulation, coordination, and promotion. The organisation focuses on reducing the disease burden and advancing the nation's health and well-being, conducting intramural and extramural research.