ICMR delivers medicines via drone in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul & Spiti

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting a feasibility study in Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, to explore the transportation of vital medical resources, including medications, diagnostic blood samples, and sputum, via drones. This study is in line with the national mission to advance India’s drone ecosystem.

ICMR’s aims to streamline the distribution of essential medical provisions from regional hospitals in Keylong to more than eight Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the region, including locations such as Sissu, Gondhal, Thiort, Tholang, Jahalma, Gemur,



Darcha, Shansha, among others.

During the inaugural flight, the drone successfully transported more than 100 units of essential medications including Antibiotics, Antipyretics, and Multivitamins from the Police grounds in Keylong to the Tholang PHC, which is approximately 20 kilometres away from the district hospital.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR and Director-General, ICMR said, we are aiming to deliver the medications and diagnostic samples at subzero temperature areas and difficult regions with altitudes over 12,000 ft.