The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has ordered the services of healthcare drone logistics startup TSAW Drones. This collaboration aims to use drones to revolutionize healthcare and medical supply deliveries, addressing critical healthcare challenges.

The ICMR project will take place in three states: Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. It will involve regular deliveries to healthcare facilities in the Yaddari district (Telangana), Manipal district (Karnataka), and Lahul district (Himachal Pradesh) over the course of six months. These deliveries will connect various locations, including distribution centers and primary health centers (PHCs), allowing for the transportation of essential medical supplies, TB samples, tissue samples, diagnostic samples, and other items.

Dr Sumit Aggarwal, Scientist D and Program Officer, ICMR remarked, “This momentous collaboration exemplifies our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare delivery in India. By harnessing the cutting-edge capabilities of drone technology, we are not merely opening doors; we are tearing down barriers to healthcare access in the remotest regions of our country. This initiative stands as a testament to our resolve to leave no one behind and to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their geographic location, receives the medical attention they deserve.”

One of the initiative's standout features is the connection of certain PHCs located at elevations exceeding 12,000 feet, including some of the world's highest peaks. TSAW Drones is enthusiastic about taking on this distinctive challenge.

Kishan Tiwari, Founder and CEO, TSAW Drones stated, “At TSAW Drones, we are privileged to join hands with ICMR in this groundbreaking initiative. Our mission has always been to leverage technology for societal betterment, and this collaboration perfectly aligns with that vision. In this undertaking overcoming difficult terrains and reaching unprecedented altitudes to serve underserved communities and also to achieve this height will definitely be a challenge but we are fully prepared to ensure timely and reliable access to medical resources and look forward to achieving this successfully.”

ICMR will closely supervise the entire project, and all deliveries will be carried out by TSAW's logistics division.