MAHE and ICMR have collaborated on a groundbreaking initiative, inaugurating the Deployment of a Robust Need-based aerial healthcare delivery system (DRONE). This innovative program is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Karnataka by utilizing drones to transport Oncopathological Samples between Peripheral and Tertiary Care Hospitals.

The primary objective of DRONE is to evaluate the feasibility of transporting materials, including frozen section samples, from remote locations to peripheral hospitals using aerial means. By doing so, the initiative aims to empower surgeons in rural areas to conduct procedures requiring such investigations, thereby enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have garnered widespread attention across industries, including healthcare. In India, the challenge of intraoperative sample transportation from rural areas has remained a significant hurdle.

The DRONE project seeks to address this challenge by exploring the feasibility, utility, and cost-effectiveness of drone-based transportation for healthcare samples. If successful, this endeavor could transform healthcare delivery by establishing seamless connections between remote hospitals and laboratory facilities, facilitating complex surgeries for patients in geographically isolated regions.

During the inauguration, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, commended the initiative's innovative approach and its potential to revolutionize sample transportation and diagnostic services in underserved rural areas.

Dr. Kamini Walia, Scientist G & Head, Division of DDR, ICMR-Hq, New Delhi, highlighted the project's significance and its potential to enhance healthcare accessibility.

Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary of the Department of Health Research, emphasized the transformative potential of the DRONE project in bridging healthcare gaps across Karnataka.

Dr. Sanghmitra Pati, Additional Director General (ADG) of ICMR and Director of ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneshwar, stressed the importance of collaborative research efforts in addressing healthcare challenges and expressed optimism about the project's ability to improve diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes.

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, DGHS, MoHFW, underscored the project's importance in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing medical services in rural areas.

Lt. Gen (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, congratulated ICMR for spearheading this pioneering initiative and highlighted the significance of leveraging technology to improve healthcare access for all communities.