"Made in India" drone used to supply Covid vaccines

For the purpose, ICMR has designed a delivery model called “ Drone Response and Outreach in North East (i-Drone)”.
This delivery model has been designed to endure that life- saving COVID-19 vaccines reach everyone.
This action was launched in line with government’s commitment to “ Antyodaya in health” that makes healthcare accessible to every citizens in India.

Significance of the action
This was the first time that a “ Make in India’ drone has been used in South Asia for transporting COVID-19 vaccine for an elevated distance of 15 km. This distance was covered in 12-15 mins from Bishnupur district clinic to Loktak lake, Karang isle in Manipur. Road distance between both the emplacements is 26 kms.

Use of drones
Drones can be used to deliver important life- saving medications as well as for collecting blood samples.
It can also be used in critical situations in dodgy terrains.
It'll address the challenges in health care delivery, especially for delivery of health stocks in tricky areas.

Which states are running similar arrangements?
Right now, drone- grounded delivery arrangements are being run in Manipur & Nagaland as well as Andaman & Nicobar Islets to overcome the challenges by fixing Unmanned elevated vehicles (UAV) or drones in remote areas.

Which institution transformed the drone technology?
ICMR conducted the first study in association with “ Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur” for testing the capacity of drones to transfer and carry vaccines safely. ICMR conducted the study in Manipur, Nagaland and Andaman & Nicobar.