Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
November 8, 2024
This initiative aligns with the recent Ayushman Bharat expansion led by PM Modi, valued at over INR 12,850 Cr, to strengthen healthcare access in underserved regions.
In a move to enhance healthcare accessibility under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Skye Air has commenced drone-enabled medical supply deliveries across select AIIMS facilities.
This initiative aligns with the recent Ayushman Bharat expansion led by PM Narendra Modi, valued at over INR 12,850 Cr, to strengthen healthcare access in underserved regions.
Skye Air, a prominent player in drone logistics, is set to operate in five out of eleven AIIMS facilities included in the PMJAY scheme: Jodhpur, Patna, Deoghar, Manipur, and Mangalagiri. The partnership highlights the role of advanced drone technology in healthcare logistics, focusing on timely delivery to remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Ankit Kumar, CEO of Skye Air, emphasized the integration of technology into public healthcare, stating, “With the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, healthcare services are reaching new heights as drone technology becomes an integral part of healthcare delivery in India. Skye Air is spearheading drone-enabled healthcare logistics at five prominent AIIMS facilities, including Jodhpur, Patna, Deoghar, Manipur, and Mangalagiri, out of the 11 AIIMS drone projects launched recently. This initiative is a significant step forward in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in underserved areas.”
One of the main challenges in India’s healthcare system is the timely delivery of critical medical supplies to remote regions, where limited infrastructure often results in delays.
Skye Air’s drones offer a practical solution to these logistical issues by reducing transportation times and ensuring direct delivery to healthcare facilities. This streamlined approach is expected to enhance both the quality and timeliness of patient care in the selected regions.
Skye Air has deployed its StarLiner and Artemis drone models for these deliveries. The drones are equipped with temperature-controlled containers designed to carry essential medical supplies, ensuring that they arrive in optimal condition. This setup allows for efficient transport of medications, medical equipment, and emergency supplies to AIIMS facilities.
Furthermore, the use of drones for medical logistics aligns with the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY’s mission of equitable healthcare by making essential resources available to rural and underserved populations. The PMJAY scheme, which seeks to address healthcare inequalities, is expected to benefit from the increased efficiency provided by drone logistics.
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