AIIMS Bhubaneswar Conducts Successful Drone Trial for Medical Deliveries in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a groundbreaking move that promises to revolutionize emergency healthcare in Odisha, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has successfully conducted the state’s first drone delivery trial for medical supplies. This landmark experiment, overseen by Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas and his team, paves the way for faster, more efficient medical response in remote areas and during emergencies.

During the 35-minute trial run, the drone covered a distance of 70 km, departing from AIIMS Bhubaneswar at 12 pm and arriving at Tangi CHC at 12:35 pm. Notably, the drone not only delivered blood units but also efficiently collected blood samples from the CHC for transportation back to AIIMS. The success of this experiment has prompted considerations for extending the drone delivery service to include emergency drugs and injections.

Dr. Biswas expressed optimism about the potential impact of drone services in the healthcare sector, particularly in scenarios like disaster management during cyclones and floods. Traditional road transport may be impractical in such situations, making drone delivery a crucial alternative, especially for critical cases requiring timely blood units.

Addressing the media, Dr. Biswas highlighted the significance of this experimental drone service, marking a pioneering initiative for AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He emphasized the success of the trial and the encouraging prospects it opens for leveraging drone technology to enhance healthcare delivery. The team plans to conduct a larger-scale trial on January 25, aiming for continued success and expanded applications in the healthcare sector.