NewKerala.com

Nagaland Adopts Drone Tech to Revolutionize Healthcare in Remote Areas

Nagaland has signed a Memorandum of Agreement to integrate drone technology into its healthcare delivery system. The initiative aims to overcome the state's geographical challenges by using drones for emergency supplies and disaster response. The technology will also assist in vector control operations and geospatial mapping for better planning. Officials state this inter-departmental collaboration marks a step towards resilient, technology-enabled healthcare in the state.

Key Points: Drones to Deliver Healthcare in Nagaland's Remote Terrain

  • Drone delivery for emergency medical supplies
  • Aerial support for vector control & mapping
  • Tackles challenges of difficult terrain & remoteness
  • Strengthens emergency preparedness & disaster response
2 min read

Agreement signed to provide drone-based healthcare services in Nagaland

Nagaland signs MoA to use drones for emergency medical supply delivery, outbreak response, and geospatial mapping in its difficult terrain.

"The adoption of drone technology would significantly enhance the efficiency of healthcare service delivery across the mountainous state. - Mhathung Kithan"

Kohima, Jan 23

In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in Nagaland, a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed to integrate drone technology into the state's healthcare service framework, officials said here on Friday.

A senior Health and Family Welfare Department official said that the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) under the Planning and Transformation Department, and the department, signed the MoA in Kohima on Thursday to incorporate drone technology into the state's healthcare delivery system.

The official said that the collaboration aims to address critical challenges posed by Nagaland's difficult terrain, remoteness, and limited accessibility by deploying drone technology for the delivery of emergency medical supplies, as well as for response during disease outbreaks and natural calamities.

The drone technology will also provide aerial support for vector control operations and enable geospatial mapping to facilitate informed planning and decision-making, he added.

Under the agreement, the NGISRSC will undertake drone operations, capacity building, data analysis, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks, while the Department of Health & Family Welfare will provide the necessary logistical support, coordination, and deployment planning.

Senior Project Director, NGISRSC, Mhathung Kithan, emphasised the importance of integrating emerging technologies into public health systems, stating that the adoption of drone technology would significantly enhance the efficiency of healthcare service delivery across the mountainous state.

Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Mereninla Senlem, highlighted that the collaboration would strengthen the state's preparedness and response mechanisms during emergencies and disasters. She noted that the initiative would play a crucial role in ensuring the timely delivery of essential medical supplies during emergency health operations and disaster situations.

The MoA marks an important milestone in Nagaland's journey towards resilient, technology-enabled healthcare and sets a model for inter-departmental collaboration in leveraging emerging technologies for public welfare, the official added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Robert G
Interesting read. While the tech is promising, the key will be execution and maintenance. Drones need good infrastructure for charging and navigation. Hope they've planned for the monsoon weather and have trained local technicians.
A
Aman W
Finally! A practical use of technology for public welfare. The geospatial mapping part is smart - it will help in planning health camps and understanding disease spread. More such inter-departmental collaborations are needed.
P
Priyanka N
As someone from the Northeast, I appreciate this step. Connectivity has always been an issue. If a drone can deliver a rabies vaccine or anti-venom on time, it will save countless lives. Hope it's implemented swiftly and effectively.
D
David E
A respectful critique: The article mentions "compliance with regulatory frameworks" which is crucial. Drone laws in India are still evolving. I hope this project has clear SOPs and doesn't get delayed in bureaucratic clearances. The intent is excellent though.
S
Sneha F
Vector control using drones is a fantastic idea! Can help prevent malaria and dengue in hard-to-reach areas. This is true innovation for healthcare. Kudos to the teams involved! 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50