Udupi: On April 10, a groundbreaking initiative was launched as a medical sample was transported via drone from Dr. TMA Pai Rotary Hospital in Karkala to Kasturba Hospital in Manipal. This new aerial healthcare delivery system, developed in collaboration between the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), aims to revolutionize medical sample transportation.
The drone significantly reduced the travel time between Karkala and Manipal from 60 minutes to just 16 minutes, covering a distance of 37 kilometers. This innovation is designed to expedite the transfer of oncopathological samples between peripheral and tertiary care hospitals, improving the speed and efficiency of diagnostics and treatment decisions.
ICMR highlighted that this advancement is particularly crucial for facilitating immediate pathological testing during surgeries. The drone’s swift delivery enables timely decisions about the nature of tissue samples, which is vital for determining the presence of cancer or other conditions.
The initiative also aims to address the challenges posed by the lack of intraoperative sample transportation in rural areas. By leveraging drone technology, healthcare access is improved, allowing for complex surgeries and advanced diagnostics even in geographically isolated regions.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, and Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, among other officials.
This project is expected to enhance the healthcare system by creating efficient connections between remote hospitals and laboratory facilities.