New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a pioneering study on the aerial transport of human corneas and amniotic membrane
drafts. The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, with the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The feasibility study assessed the potential of using drones to transport sensitive opthalmic biomaterials such as human corneas and amniotic membrane grafts from peripheral collection centres to tertiary hospitals for transplantation procedures, in Sonipat and Jajjhar in Haryana.
The drone was able to successfully transport corneal tissue from Sonipat to Jajjhar and then to New Delhi. The distance between the two cities was covered in 40 minutes by the drones, which usually takes more than a two hour drive by road. The drone maintained optimal conditions to preserve the integrity of thee specimen. The cornea was evaluate and led to a successful transplant surgery. Director General of ICMR, Rajiv Bahl said, “The i-DRONE platform was originally conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines to remote regions. Since then, we’ve scaled our efforts to include low-temperature delivery of blood products and essential medicines to high-altitude and sub-zero locations. This cornea transport study marks another step forward — enhancing patient access, ensuring timely transplants, and reducing pressure on overburdened tertiary hospitals. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India powered by innovation. Drone-based healthcare logistics are the future, and India is taking the lead by applying this to areas where it matters most — saving lives and restoring sight.”
Tech will reduce wastage of corneas
Through the demonstration, the researchers aimed to document operational workflows, identify technical bottlenecks and generate evidence to support the integration of drone logistics in routine medical practice, especially for time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive biological materials. The finings will help shape future protocols, policies and best practices for aerial transport in healthcare. Ameya Ingawale, a leading corneal transplant surgeon in the Thane-Mumbai area said, “This is amazing! I applaud the initiative. It will reduce wastage of viable corneal tissues and help reduce the immense burden of corneal blindness in India. Once appropriately scaled, it may also bring down the cost involved in transport by road by human personnel.”
