'Medicine from the Sky' Initiative

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh launched the "Medicine from the Sky" project in 2022, with the mission of using drones to modernize services and initiatives to make India the world's Drone Hub. The project entails using drones manufactured in India to deliver medications to primary healthcare facilities in remote areas. The purpose is to analyze how the state's healthcare system responds when drones are used in combination with it, as well as to chronicle how drone-based supply chains are incorporated into the state's remote health services.

On August 15, 2022, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the first pilot project of "Medicine from the Sky," a flagship initiative of the Arunachal Pradesh government and the World Economic Forum, was successfully launched from Seppa to Chayang Tajo in East Kameng District. The pilot project employed drone technology to deliver basic medical supplies, including medications, vaccines, healthcare items, and other dietary supplements, to Seppa's tribal and rural people. The project was funded by USAID and carried out by Bengaluru-based startup Redwing Labs, with the financial and technical assistance of the SAMRIDH Healthcare Blended Financing Facility.

The first delivery of critical medications from Seppa to a remote location of Bana in Richukrong circle of East Kameng district was successfully carried out on November 9, 2022, and on November 30, 2022, Shri Mama Natung, Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Environment & Forest, Water Resource, and Shri Alo Libang, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, launched the "Medicine From The Sky" project from Ziro in Lower Subansiri District to Chambang in Kra-Daadi District at Padi Yubbe Outdoor Stadium, Ziro. With assistance from Techeagle Corporation and the Government of India, Lower Dibang Valley District also obtained its first animal vaccinations by drone delivery from Kangkong to Paglam. The event was facilitated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the District Administration, the World Economic Forum, Apollo Hospitals Healthnet Global, the Indian Air Force (Eastern Command), and the ATC Advanced Landing Ground, Ziro.

To intensify "ease of delivery" and healthcare accessibility, drones are being deployed as part of the Medicine From The Sky (MFTS) project to provide medical treatments to hard-to-reach, rural, and remote regions of Arunachal Pradesh. Based on the results of these pilot flights and depending on the necessity, the state administration hopes to soon begin delivering medicine by drone in other parts of the state. Over the next few years, drones carrying blood samples, emergency medications, and vaccinations will be made available throughout the state. The utilization of drone technology will be part of healthcare services in the future.

We welcome all to share your opinion on 'Medicine from the Sky', the new innovative project to provide health care services in remote areas and across Arunachal Pradesh.