Dimapur: Indian Medical Research Board (ICMR) has launched a drone service to provide Covid-19 vaccine in the Mokokchung district on Tuesday.
During the formal launch of the i-drone delivery system, the vaccine was transported by aercial from the office of the Mokokchung medical officer to the Primary Health Center (PHC) in Longsa Village in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung Limawapang Jamir, Aotula police supervisor and deputy medical head officer Dr.
Kibangkumbang.
It usually takes more than an hour to reach Longsa Village from Mokokchung City, a distance of almost 30 km, per run.
However, during the rainy season, travel time can increase due to poor road conditions.
With a drone service, it only takes eight minutes to reach Longsa PHC from Mokokchung City, which covers an air distance of 11.5 km.
ICMR has taken the initiative to apply drone resources and outreach programs in several parts of India, especially in hilly areas and remote villages to facilitate many challenges in sending vaccines.
Based on the advice of the unification of the Ministry of Health and the Welfare of the Welfare of Family Welfare, and permits provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, two states and one Region Union – Manipur, Nagaland and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands – are considered for this pilot project.
Two districts, Mokokchung and Tuensang, were chosen to study the feasibility of drone technology in delivery of medical supplies in Nagaland.