Andhra Pradesh’s Medical Drone Network Reaches 24,500 Tribal Residents in Remote ASR District

The service has transported over 2,200 diagnostic samples, including 596 samples for sickle cell anaemia screening, supporting more than 9,000 medical tests.

Andhra Pradesh’s drone-based medical transport network has reached more than 24,500 people in remote tribal areas of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district, demonstrating how aerial logistics can help overcome geographical barriers to healthcare access.

The initiative has been operating since January 2026 as part of the state’s broader push to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved regions.

Four drones deployed in the ASR district have so far completed over 1,800 flights and travelled more than 71,000 km, according to Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav.

The service has transported over 2,200 diagnostic samples, including 596 samples for sickle cell anaemia screening, supporting more than 9,000 medical tests.

The drone network connects Paderu Government General Hospital with healthcare facilities across the district, including centres in Lothugedda, Tajangi, Sunkarametta, Bhimavaram, Ananthagiri, Munchingiputtu, Chintapalli and Araku.

Alongside diagnostic samples, the drones are being used to carry medicines, vaccines, emergency supplies and medical equipment to facilities serving difficult-to-reach communities.

The state has also begun expanding the model as the government plans to extend such services to other underserved agency areas.

During a visit on August 29, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a drone service between Gannela PHC and RK Nagar village for the transport of medical reports, vaccines, and medicines.

Health and Family Welfare Commissioner K. S. Chakravarthy Babu said the system has helped reduce travel time, transportation costs, and delays for patients and families who previously had to travel long distances for diagnostic services.

The programme is also creating local participation in the drone ecosystem, with more than 25 tribal and local youth trained in drone operations and ground support logistics.

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