ICMR’s i-DRONE Initiative Shows Drone-Based Sample Transport Can Cut TB Diagnosis Time & Patient Costs

The study found that the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis declined from 15 days to five days after introducing drone-based transport.

An ICMR study in Telangana has found that drone-assisted transport of TB sputum samples reduced diagnosis turnaround time from 15 days to five days while lowering patients' out-of-pocket expenses from INR 9,451 to INR 91.

The findings come from ICMR's flagship i-DRONE initiative, which evaluated drone-assisted transport of TB sputum samples in the Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana.

Conducted in collaboration with AIIMS Bibinagar and the District TB Office under NTEP, the study enrolled 840 participants and compared conventional patient travel for diagnosis with a drone-enabled model that transported samples collected at nearby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and sub-centres to designated TB diagnostic laboratories.

Under the drone model, a hub-and-spoke network connected 11 PHCs, 60 sub-centres and four TB Units, allowing patients to submit sputum samples closer to their homes instead of travelling to diagnostic facilities.

The use of drones enabled laboratories to receive samples faster, reducing delays in testing and allowing healthcare providers to confirm diagnoses earlier.

"Affordable and timely access to diagnosis remains central to India's TB elimination efforts. This study demonstrates how technology can help bridge geographical barriers and reduce the burden on patients, particularly those living in remote areas. The evidence generated through the i-DRONE initiative will help inform future public health innovations while complementing existing healthcare delivery systems," said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR.

The study found that the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis declined from 15 days to five days after introducing drone-based transport.

Diagnostic delays were substantially reduced, enabling quicker clinical decision-making and earlier initiation of treatment.

The financial impact on patients was equally significant. Average out-of-pocket expenditure associated with obtaining a TB diagnosis dropped from around INR 9,451 under the conventional system to approximately INR 91 during the drone phase.

Researchers attributed the savings to lower travel costs, reduced wage losses and the availability of sample collection facilities closer to patients' homes.

Notably, the median out-of-pocket expenditure during the drone-enabled phase was zero, indicating that many participants incurred no travel-related expenses.

Healthcare workers involved in the project also reported that drones improved operational efficiency, reduced delays and gained community acceptance after an initial familiarisation period.

However, the study noted that weather conditions, payload limitations and the need for continued workforce training remain important operational considerations before wider deployment.

Similar drone-based healthcare projects have previously been implemented in states including Manipur and Nagaland for transporting medical supplies and diagnostic samples.

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