National

ICMR Drone Study for TB Diagnosis

Published on 20 Jul 2026

An ICMR study under the i-DRONE initiative in Telangana’s Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district has shown that drone transport of TB sputum samples can significantly reduce diagnosis time and patient costs. The study found median turnaround time dropped from 15 days to 5 days, while mean out-of-pocket expenditure fell from ₹9,451 to ₹91 (median zero in drone phase).
Samples were collected at nearby Primary Health Centres and transported via drones to TB units. The hub-and-spoke model improves access in remote areas, supports faster treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme, and demonstrates technology’s potential in public healthcare delivery.

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