Jipmer conducts trial demo to deliver emergency medicine using drones

Puducherry: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) successfully conducted a trial demonstration of the delivery of emergency medicines to a community health centre (CHC) at Mannadipet in the outskirts of the town using a drone. The Union government selected the CHC at Mannadipet for the trial, which was conducted on Jan 22, according to a press release issued by the institute.

The trial was done in the run up to the formal launch of the drone services for medical purposes in all the institutes of national importance across the country, including Jipmer, by the Union government.

Two female self-help group staff members from Jipmer completed a 10-day remote pilot training course conducted by the Drone Destination at Gurugram Base. The National Health System Resource Centre (NHSRC) organised the training course, which is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The drone services to deliver medicines to CHCs located in remote areas is a pilot project launched by the Union health and family welfare ministry in coordination with the NHSRC in all institutes of national importance including Jipmer to improve healthcare services to people, particularly those living in difficult geographical terrains.

It may be recalled that Jipmer launched nano drone services within its premises to spruce up its healthcare facilities extended to patients in December 2018. Doctors and specialists in the institute can monitor patients in the intensive care units by flying the drone. Moreover, the drone will come in handy for the doctors and specialists in cases of multiple casualties reaching the institute for emergency care.