Challenge
Remote hilly regions of Meghalaya face delays in essential medicines, blood, and vaccines due to tough terrain and long travel times.
SVM Solution
- Launched Health Wings, India’s first drone-based medicine delivery network in Meghalaya.
- Drones deliver essential medicines from district hospitals to remote PHCs/sub-centers.
- Pilot: Nongstoin → Maweit (25 km in <25 mins, earlier 4 hrs by road).
Recognition AND SCALE
- Featured by Hon. PM Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat for pioneering drone use in healthcare delivery.
- From a successful pilot, now expanding into the Meghalaya Drone Delivery Network, connecting multiple districts.
Project Details
SVM Health Wings takes flight with the goal of transforming last-mile medicine delivery. Here’s an overview of the project’s key features
Hybrid VTOL Drone Technology
Introducing a Hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drone, a pioneering concept in India. This innovative technology allows for efficient and versatile drone operations in challenging terrains.
Strategic Routes and Demos
After collaboration with National Health Mission (NHM) officials in West Khasi Hills, strategic routes were identified for pilot demonstrations. The central hub at Nongstoin District Hospital facilitated deliveries to Poly Health Clinics (PHC) in Mawei, Markasa, and Kynshi.
Significant Time Reduction
Drone deliveries demonstrate a remarkable reduction in time compared to traditional transportation. For instance, the journey from Nongstoin District Hospital to Maweit PHC, which typically takes 3 hours by road, was completed in just 20 minutes via drone.
Scalability and Future Possibilities
The project's success opens doors to limitless future possibilities. The hub-and-spoke model can be scaled to explore deliveries in various Smart Village Movement verticals, ensuring broader benefits for rural communities.
