Drone a technological leap in health care delivery in distant and remote inaccessible areas: A narrative review

In developing countries, last-mile delivery of medical products is a challenge, especially in hilly and rural areas where there is no road connectivity. As helicopters or other air services are not affordable all the time, drones can be used for the supply of medical products. They are cost-effectiv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Saudi journal of anaesthesia 2024-01, Vol.18 (1), p.95-99
Main Authors: Sharma, Sanjana, Sharma, Hunny
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
delivery of health care
Developing countries
drones
equipment and supplies
health services accessibility
Review
unmanned aerial devices (uad)
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Summary:In developing countries, last-mile delivery of medical products is a challenge, especially in hilly and rural areas where there is no road connectivity. As helicopters or other air services are not affordable all the time, drones can be used for the supply of medical products. They are cost-effective as compared to other air or road transport. However, the carrying capacity of drone is less, it is not able to carry heavier payloads. Also, operating drones requires trained operators, and it is a new venture in a developing country so possibilities of confusion and lack of clarity on operating procedures are there. Drones are becoming increasingly reliable for the health care delivery. This narrative review explores the use of drones in healthcare delivery globally.
ISSN:1658-354X
0975-3125
DOI:10.4103/sja.sja_506_23