Google-Backed Dunzo to Pilot Drone Delivery of Medicines in India

TARGET GROUP: HOSPITALS AND PATIENTS

OBJECTIVES

·        To help improve access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

·        To create a large-scale impact and help to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

·        To ensure that the delivery of essentials like vaccines and medicines continues to be supported amidst infrastructural challenges and lockdowns.

SUMMARY

Google-backed delivery and e-commerce firm Dunzo Digital is leading a Med-Air consortium along with industry experts to conduct experimental BVLOS (Below Visual Line of Sight) drone delivery flights for the 'Medicine from the Sky Project'. The project aims to serve different districts in the state of Telangana for medical supplies. The program launched by the Government of Telangana and the World Economic Forum aims to create a large-scale impact and help to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state. The drone delivery system will focus on an end-to-end ecosystem for drone-based logistic transportation and utilize the existing logistics network of the state.

“Telangana is one of the most proactive states looking to adopt emerging technologies, and the ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project using drones is in line with the same principles,” said Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary, ITE&C Department, and Government of Telangana. “This project is one of the first such programs in the country where multiple drones would fly BVLOS to establish their value proposition for the healthcare supply chain. The vision is to ensure healthcare equity for rural areas.

Leveraging the Centre's recent regulation policies for low-altitude airspace for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, the Telangana government is exploring the scope of delivery of medical and healthcare provisions through drones across the state. The government has partnered with the World Economic Forum, government think tank Niti Aayog, and HealthNet Global for ‘Medicine from the Sky’ with the support of leaders in medicine, technology, and research.

REFERENCE

https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/google-backed-dunzo-to-pilot-drone-delivery-of-medicines-in-india-121060100535_1.html