By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 17, 2026 9:34 am
i-DRONE initiative in Telangana reduced out-of-pocket expenses from Rs. 9,451 to Rs. 91 by enabling drone-based transport of sputum samples, improving access to timely TB diagnosis in remote areas
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has demonstrated that drone-assisted transport of tuberculosis (TB) sputum samples can significantly improve access to timely diagnosis while drastically reducing patient costs in remote and underserved regions of India.
The findings, generated under ICMR's flagship i-DRONE initiative, are based on a programme-based study conducted in Telangana's Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district in collaboration with AIIMS Bibinagar and the District TB Office under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
The study enrolled 840 participants and compared the conventional system, where patients travelled to TB diagnostic centres, with a drone-enabled model that transported sputum samples from nearby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and sub-centres (SCs) to designated TB Units (TUs).
The results showed that the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis fell from 15 days to just 5 days after the introduction of drone-based sample transport, enabling faster diagnosis and earlier treatment initiation.
The intervention also delivered substantial financial benefits for patients. The average out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for obtaining a TB diagnosis declined from approximately Rs. 9,451 to Rs. 91, representing a reduction of nearly 99%.
The savings were driven by lower travel expenses, reduced wage losses and the availability of sputum collection facilities closer to patients' homes. Notably, the median OOPE during the drone-enabled phase was zero, indicating that many patients incurred no travel-related costs.
The drone logistics network connected 11 Primary Health Centres, 60 sub-centres and four TB Units, allowing patients to submit sputum samples at nearby health facilities instead of travelling long distances for testing.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR, said, "Affordable and timely access to diagnosis remains central to India's TB elimination efforts. This study demonstrates how technology can help bridge geographical barriers and reduce the burden on patients, particularly those living in remote areas. The evidence generated through the i-DRONE initiative will help inform future public health innovations while complementing existing healthcare delivery systems."
Healthcare workers involved in the programme reported that drone-enabled sample transport reduced delays, improved operational efficiency and was well accepted by local communities after initial familiarisation.
The study, however, also highlighted operational challenges such as weather conditions, payload limitations and the need for continued training, underscoring the importance of careful planning for wider implementation.