Drones for Medical Supply During Disaster: A Game Changer in “Health for All” Policy

Respected Editor

Despite the unpredictability of disasters, steps may be taken before and after them to reduce damage and speed up recovery. Although no one can foretell the future disaster, we can try to get the necessary resources ready in case 1 does occur. During the disaster we need to supply not only food, water but also medical supply to the people. Disaster sites are frequently very far from the supply. Sometimes there is no way to go to the catastrophe area. First aid supplies can save many lives at disaster sites, but we must figure out how to get there, especially during earthquake and flood calamities.¹

Health care systems were so backfoot before the invention of technologies but after their invention, Health care systems became so powerful all over the globe. Those technologies are not used only in diagnosis and patient treatment but are also helpful to reach needy persons anywhere in the world. A drone is one of the technologies which were invented for another purpose but it also supports in health care system during the covid-19 pandemic for delivery of diagnostic test kits and medical supplies to remote areas of several countries.² This opens up a whole new dimension for the solutions to the logistical challenges that we are facing from times immemorial.

This technique will be more helpful in countries that face challenges due to difficult terrain and inaccessible areas due to the absence of roads, flood situations, earthquakes, insurgency areas, etc. Apart from that it also reduces the cost as well as saves human power hugely and is also eco-friendly. The government of India successfully delivered vaccines (items requiring a cold chain) using drone technology during Covid-19. The program was called as i-drone.³ Though in an infancy stage, drones are set to play a pivotal role in the future for the delivery of critical items. With the advancement of technology, a lot more facets can be taken care of. A drone has the advantage of “as the crow flies.” Hence has to cover a lot shorter distance than a land vehicle. An advantage in ecologically sensitive areas. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has done this pilot study in the difficult areas of North East India and the Andaman Nicobar Islands.⁴

We can increase the quality of primary healthcare in rural and tribal areas using drones for supplying medicines and other materials for saving precious human lives. A strong public-private partnership in this regard will go a long way in this direction. The challenges are many though. The lack of clarity in regulations in different countries regarding the use of drones is a major concern. Also, the threat of misuse in illegal activities remains a Concern.⁵

Currently, the cost of maintenance is high but nothing is more precious than human lives. Maintenance will reduce, with its wider use. The benefits outweigh the challenges by far. Once is start used, it will play an important role to fulfill the “Health for All” all over the world.