ICMR, in collaboration with state health authorities and administrative support from Keylong, is conducting a feasibility study in Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. The study explores the use of drones to transport vital medical resources, such as medications, diagnostic blood samples, and sputum. Drones are increasingly playing a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in emergency response scenarios, enabling the rapid delivery of vaccines, medicines, and essential supplies to remote and inaccessible areas.
The project aims to streamline the distribution of essential medical supplies from regional hospitals in Keylong to over eight Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the region, including locations like Sissu, Gondhal, Thiort, Tholang, Jahalma, Gemur, Darcha, Shansha, among others. A dedicated team of scientists from ICMR-Headquarters, New Delhi, and the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre-Gorakhpur (Field Station Keylong) is responsible for developing, executing, and coordinating the protocol.
In the inaugural flight, the drone successfully transported over 100 units of essential medications, including antibiotics, antipyretics, and multivitamins, from the Police grounds in Keylong to the Tholang PHC, located approximately 20 kilometers away from the district hospital. The drone reached altitudes of 11,500 ft ASL (Altitude above mean Sea Level) and recorded a temperature of -15 degrees Celsius at its peak. The round trip, which typically takes 2 hours by road and can be delayed by snowfall, was completed in around 26 minutes using the drone.
ICMR has previously used drones to deliver vital medical supplies to challenging-to-access regions like Manipur and Nagaland. The organization will conduct multiple test flights to different PHCs in the upcoming days.
The research project is aimed at exploring the utility of drones in providing support for conventional medical supplies in difficult geographical conditions, specifically those prevalent in remote areas with altitudes over 12,000 ft. The study has identified technical and operational challenges faced by local communities when delivering essential medical items in remote and challenging landscapes.
The research project received support from state health authorities, Keylong administrative support, and district administrative and health authorities, including Mr. Mayank Chaudhary, Dr. Ajay Thakur, and Dr. Kunal Rawat. Technical support for the trials in the Lahaul area was provided by the TSAW drone company.
