“Using drones to transport diagnostic samples has significantly reduced both the time and cost of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis while improving access to testing in remote and underserved areas, according to a latest study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Conducted under ICMR's flagship i-DRONE initiative, the study found that the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis fell from 15 days to five days after the introduction of drone-based sample transport.

The study also found a sharp reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for patients seeking a TB diagnosis, with the average cost falling to Rs 91 from Rs 9,451 under the conventional transport system.”

From The New Indian Express.