The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JAN 25, 2024
In a pioneering move integrating technology into healthcare, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has inaugurated its Drone Health Service today. Following a successful trial run, the national institute has commenced the use of drones for transporting critical medical supplies. The maiden drone flight, conducted seamlessly, delivered a crucial unit of blood from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Tangi CHC, covering a distance of 60 km in an impressive 35 minutes. This landmark flight signifies the first-ever drone-assisted blood delivery not only in Odisha but also across the entire nation.
Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, expressed satisfaction with the trial’s success, stating, “The successful delivery of a blood bag to a patient via drone marks a significant achievement. This initiative represents a major stride in incorporating technology into our healthcare system. Additionally, the drone collected blood samples from the CHC before returning to AIIMS.”
The 12-kg drone, capable of carrying medical loads ranging from 2 to 5 kg, achieved a speed of 90 km/hour during the mission. Leveraging GPS technology, the drone exhibited remarkable precision in navigation, ensuring the prompt and secure delivery of essential medical supplies.
This pioneering effort aligns with the Health Ministry’s directives, highlighting AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s commitment to advancing healthcare services. The drone health service is expected to play a vital role in emergency situations, facilitating the swift delivery of drugs, injections, and other critical medical supplies.
This innovative approach not only enhances healthcare delivery during emergencies but also positions AIIMS Bhubaneswar as a trailblazer in utilizing technology for public health improvement. The institution remains dedicated to exploring and implementing advancements that elevate healthcare service standards.
The launch event witnessed the presence of Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, MS, Dr. Sonu H Subba, Dr. Satyaprakash, Dr. Manisha R Gaikwad, Dr. Priyamadhaba Behera, Dr. Abhishek Mishra, Dr. Anshuman Sahu, and DDA(I/c)) Rasmiranjan Sethy, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this groundbreaking initiative.
