Skye Air Mobility partners with CARiTAS Hospital for drone-based medical deliveries in Kottayam
24 August 2024 | News
For carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms over distances of 10-15 kilometres
New Delhi-based startup Skye Air Mobility, a leading drone technology-based logistics firm, has announced a collaboration with CARiTAS Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences, Kottayam, Kerala, to revolutionise medical deliveries through drone technology.
This partnership aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency in the region by leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for the transportation of essential medical supplies and diagnostic samples. The Caritas Drone Medical Supply Delivery Unit is fist of its kind in South Kerala.
The initiative will see drones carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms over distances of 10-15 kilometres, connecting CARiTAS Hospital with various other satellite healthcare facilities of CARiTAS (CFH, CKMM, CHPD) and remote areas in the region.
The drone delivery system is expected to significantly reduce delivery times from hours to just 5-7 minutes, ensuring critical medical supplies reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently and also helps in reduction of carbon emission via reduction of road transportations.
During the inaugural ceremony, attended by local dignitaries and healthcare professionals, the first drone flight successfully transported a package of vital medicines from CARiTAS Hospital to Caritas Family Hospital and CARiTAS KMM located 10-15 kilometres away.
The Chief Guest, MLA Mons Joseph, commended the initiative, saying, "It is a big step forward for healthcare in Kerala. This drone programme shows our commitment to using new technologies to benefit our people. Drones can deliver critical medication to remote areas in minutes, not hours, which can be life-saving. This initiative fits well with our government's goal of enhancing public services with technology."
The drone delivery programme is set to undergo a series of trial runs over the coming weeks, with plans for a full-scale rollout across Kottayam district in the near future.
