SHILLONG, April 26: The Meghalaya government’s drone project has been a game-changer for delivering medicines to far-flung and difficult-to-access areas in a time-bound manner.
The drone project was started in October 2022. The drones have since conducted more than 150 flights and delivered 650-700 kg of life-saving medicines.
The drones also bring back blood and other samples to diagnostic facilities.
Speaking about the project with a group of media persons, Health Department Secretary, Ramkumar S. said the government wants to increase the number of drone-landing pads from 11 now to 25.
Jengjal in Garo Hills is currently the only drone station. The government wants to have at least one such station in West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Ri-Bhoi.
“The results of the drone initiative are quite encouraging,” Ramkumar said.
But the government is facing challenges in expanding the service across the state due to the liberalised drone rules which prescribe three zones – green, yellow, and red.
In green zones, drones can fly without any permission while some permissions are required in the yellow zones. Meghalaya’s problem is with several red zones along its boundary with Bangladesh where medicines cannot be delivered by drones.
However, the state government is discussing with the Centre to get the necessary permissions.
According to Ramkumar, the cooperation of the communities being served has gone a long way in the successful delivery of medicines and collection of samples to and from distant locations within a few hours.
Another plan to overcome the challenges is to develop a network of landing pads throughout the state.
Weather, though, can affect the drone service. These drones can fly in light drizzle but not during heavy rain.
Officials are pinning hopes on more advanced drones that can withstand the extremities of nature.
