Written by : Jayati Dubey
January 24, 2024
Through the deployment of Skye Air's drone technology, these healthcare providers aim to enhance the efficiency and speed of medical supply deliveries.
In a stride towards positioning India as a global drone hub by 2030, Skye Air Mobility, a SaaS-based autonomous logistics solution provider, has secured seven contracts with government healthcare service providers across the nation.
This strategic initiative is aimed at transforming healthcare logistics through the integration of Skye Air's cutting-edge drone technology.
The seven healthcare institutions benefiting from these contracts include AIIMS Jodhpur (Rajasthan), AIIMS Rajkot (Gujarat), AIIMS Bhubaneswar (Odisha), AIIHPH Kolkata (West Bengal), CLTR Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu), RLTRI Bankura (West Bengal), and RLTRI Aska (Odisha).
Through the deployment of Skye Air's drone technology, these healthcare providers aim to enhance the efficiency and speed of medical supply deliveries.
Skye Air Mobility will leverage its proprietary Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) software system, known as 'Skye UTM.' As per the startup, this system enables seamless coordination with multiple Air Traffic Controls (ATCs) in both rural and urban settings.
It offers real-time tracking and ultra-fast communication, addressing crucial challenges in healthcare logistics and underlining India's progress toward becoming a global leader in the drone industry by 2030.
Talking about this development, Ankit Kumar, founder & CEO of Skye Air Mobility, said, "We are thrilled to collaborate with these esteemed healthcare institutions and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Skye Air is dedicated to leveraging drone technology not just as a technological advancement but as a strategic initiative toward revolutionising healthcare in India.’’
He noted that these contracts provide a significant opportunity to work hand-in-hand with leading healthcare institutions. Further, Kumar noted that drone technology is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare accessibility, making a tangible difference in the lives of people across diverse regions.
“This collaborative initiative underscores our commitment to empowering communities and marks a significant stride towards a healthcare revolution driven by innovation. We are excited about the potential positive impact at the grassroots level, truly showcasing how technology can reshape and uplift lives," he added.
By deploying flagship drone models, the startup aims to expedite the delivery of essential medical supplies, overcoming geographical barriers and bringing healthcare closer to those in need.
Skye Air Mobility's collaborative initiative demonstrates how technology, in the form of advanced drone solutions, can reshape and uplift lives by ensuring timely and efficient access to critical healthcare supplies.
Talking about Skye Air's expansion plans, CEO Kumar said, "We plan to ramp up our fleet size to about 100 drones in 6 months from the current 35 as we chase growth opportunities in key areas such as healthcare and agri-commodity."
The contracts with government healthcare providers mark a crucial step forward in realising the transformative potential of drone technology in addressing healthcare challenges and improving accessibility across the nation.
In the domain of adopting drone technology, significant advancements have been registered.
Earlier, Skye Air collaborated with Cipla, an Indian pharmaceutical company, to initiate drone-based delivery of critical medicines, including cardiac, respiratory, and essential chronic therapies, to hospitals and pharmacies in Himachal Pradesh.
In a similar development, another drone delivery startup, TechEagle, collaborated with Himachal Pradesh to deliver medicines and vaccines in hard-to-reach areas, particularly during harsh winter conditions.
TechEagle also partnered with AIIMS Jodhpur to deliver vital medical supplies to the tribal communities of Sirohi, Rajasthan, utilising TechEagle's advanced e-VTOL Drone, Vertiplane X3. These essential supplies include medicines, vaccines, and blood. Further, the system enables blood and sputum samples to be transported for diagnostic evaluation easily, improving overall healthcare delivery.