Magazine : 
ICMR Launches Drone Program for Rapid Health Services in Rural Zones
In a joint effort between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Kasturba Gandhi Medical College in Manipal, Karnataka, a pioneering drone initiative has been unveiled. The initiative aims to expedite the delivery of healthcare services in rural regions. Through this initiative, drones will be utilized to efficiently transport clinical samples from under-resourced rural hospitals to tertiary hospitals equipped with advanced diagnostic capabilities. A video posted on X.com showcases the apex research body detailing the objectives and mechanisms of this innovative project.
This groundbreaking initiative holds the promise of assisting surgeons in expediting critical medical decisions with heightened precision, particularly during cancer surgeries where swift investigation of samples is paramount. Furthermore, it is anticipated to enhance patient outcomes significantly. “Next milestone achieved in healthcare delivery via drone! Tissue sample transported mid-surgery from a peripheral hospital for advanced pathological testing at the tertiary setting for deciding if the resected tissue is cancerous or not”, ICMR said in a post.
In collaboration with TSAW Drones, a startup specializing in healthcare drone logistics, this initiative is poised to minimize the risk of patient infection, enhance convenience and compliance, and alleviate the strain on tertiary care hospitals. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had previously disclosed its partnership with TSAW Drones in October of the preceding year, with plans for a study spanning three locations in Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh, focusing on the drone-based transportation of medical supplies.
“Imagine a scenario where a patient walks into a secondary care hospital for a cancer procedure. The sample is swiftly sent to a testing facility using a drone and the surgeon receives diagnostic reports within 20 minutes. This will eliminate the need for repetitive surgeries and reduce infection risks for the patient”, the ICMR said.
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