The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) successfully transported more than 100 units of essential medications for 20 km in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh using a drone on Thursday as part of a feasibility study, officials said.
In line with the national mission to advance India’s drone ecosystem, the ICMR is currently conducting a feasibility study in Lahaul and Spiti district to explore the transportation of vital medical resources, including medications, diagnostic blood samples and sputum, via drones.
Drones are playing an increasingly critical role in healthcare, particularly in emergency response scenarios, where they facilitate the swift delivery of vaccines, medications and other essential supplies to remote and inaccessible areas, the ICMR said in a statement.