Drones Cut TB Diagnosis Time and Cost in Telangana

Drones have dramatically reduced the time and cost of diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in Telangana, according to a new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The average time to diagnose TB dropped from 16.6 days to just 6.9 days, and costs plummeted from Rs 9,451 to Rs 91 when drones were used to transport patient samples to molecular diagnostic centres.

A Game-Changer for India's TB Elimination Goals

This breakthrough comes as India races to meet the global 2030 deadline for TB elimination, having missed its own 2025 target. Timely and affordable diagnosis is critical to this effort, especially in rural and remote areas where poor infrastructure and long distances to labs often delay care. “This study demonstrates how technology can help bridge geographical barriers and reduce the burden on patients,” said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR.

The initiative, called i-DRONE, established a hub-and-spoke network connecting 60 sub-centres, 11 primary health centres, and four TB units in Telangana's Alair, Bhongir, Ramannapet, and Choutuppal regions. The drones transported sputum samples from remote collection centres to diagnostic labs, significantly improving efficiency.

Addressing Barriers to Timely Diagnosis

Before the i-DRONE initiative, patients often had to travel 10 to 30 km on unreliable roads to reach testing facilities, a journey complicated by limited transport options, stigma, and loss of daily wages. Now, patients can simply visit the nearest sub-centre or primary health centre to provide their samples, which are then flown to labs by drones. This shift has eased the burden on patients, most of whom reported monthly incomes below Rs 5,000.

How the Drones Operated

Two types of drones were used: an 11.5-kg drone capable of carrying a 2-kg payload and a 24-kg drone with an 8-kg capacity. Flight routes were meticulously pre-programmed, accounting for terrain, population density, and no-fly zones. Dedicated take-off and landing sites were set up at health centres and TB units to ensure safe operations.

Key Findings: Faster Results, Fewer Delays

The study revealed that the proportion of patients receiving their TB diagnosis within a day or two surged. Same-day results increased slightly from 6.3% to 7.4%, but next-day results saw a dramatic jump from 1.5% to 76.3%. Meanwhile, the percentage of patients experiencing two-day delays dropped from 92.2% to 16.3%. These findings align with earlier successes in Manipur and Nagaland, where drones have also been used for healthcare delivery.

Why This Matters

The i-DRONE initiative demonstrates how innovative technology can transform healthcare delivery in underserved areas. By slashing diagnosis times and costs, drones not only make TB care more accessible but also reduce the financial and logistical burdens on patients. As India works toward eliminating TB, such solutions could play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in its healthcare system.

Source: Indian Express