Rishikesh, September 28, 2024 – Marking a significant advancement in healthcare delivery technology, AIIMS Rishikesh successfully transported essential hypertension and diabetes medications via drone to Chamba in Tehri district. This initiative, conducted on the eve of World Heart Day (September 29), is a landmark achievement in addressing the challenges of delivering medicines to hard-to-reach areas. On Friday, a 10-kilogram payload, consisting of medications for high blood pressure and diabetes, was sent from AIIMS Rishikesh’s helipad to Chamba block, 33 km away and at an altitude of over 5,600 feet. The drone completed the journey in just 30 minutes, delivering the package to health staff waiting in a local school yard.
AIIMS Rishikesh Executive Director, Professor Dr. Meenu Singh, flagged off the drone, highlighting the difficulties posed by bad weather and challenging geography in these regions. She emphasized the institute’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge medical technology to ensure that remote areas have access to essential medications via drone services.
The theme for World Heart Day 2024 is “Use Heart for Action,” which urges individuals and institutions to take responsibility for heart health. AIIMS Rishikesh’s drone initiative embodies this theme by helping to eliminate healthcare disparities. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Dr. Pradeep Agarwal, Additional Professor at AIIMS’ CFM department, noted that regular supply of medicines is critical for patients in remote areas. Often, people from mountainous regions struggle to access medicines due to transportation challenges and blocked roads. The drone service aims to solve these logistical issues and is also being used for advanced pathology testing.
AIIMS Rishikesh Medical Superintendent, Professor Sanjeev Kumar Mittal, stressed that given the high prevalence of hypertension in elevated regions, the drone service will ensure timely delivery of essential medications. Present at the event were Academic Dean Professor Jaya Chaturvedi, Research Dean Professor Shailendra Handu, Drone Medical Service Nodal Officer Dr. Jitendra Gairola, and Global Health Advocacy Incubator Vice President Vandana Shah, among others.
