Suzuki – cargo drone adoption in healthcare

Submitted to Prof. Anish Sugathan, Prof. Amit Karna, Prof. Sandip Chakrabarti

Submitted by: Sayed Zafar Uzair, Kshitiz Singhal

This project embarks on an exploration of the transformative potential that cargo drones hold in revolutionizing healthcare logistics and enhancing medical care accessibility. The focus of this project revolves around the efficient transportation capabilities of drones, specifically in delivering critical medical supplies such as blood, vaccines, medications, and test samples to remote and inaccessible areas. The significance of this exploration lies in the ability of cargo drones to address fundamental challenges within healthcare supply chains, including delays, lack of accessibility, high operational costs, and notable carbon emissions. A comprehensive analysis of global adoption trends underscores the increasing traction of drones, with notable use cases emerging in Africa and experimental trials taking place in Japan, North America, and India. The examination delves into the dual catalysts of a favorable policy environment and ongoing technological advancements propelling the widespread adoption of drones in diverse healthcare settings. However, this upward trajectory is counterbalanced by key challenges acting as impediments to widespread adoption, encompassing restrictions, safety concerns, exorbitant costs, and issues related to public acceptance. To provide concrete insights into the potential applications of cargo drones in healthcare, the research incorporates detailed case studies highlighting pioneering drone delivery models in countries such as Rwanda, Japan, India, and the USA. Within the Indian healthcare context, the study quantifies a substantial opportunity for the integration of cargo drones, particularly given the current concentration of healthcare infrastructure in urban areas. The research prescribes priority applications, with a particular emphasis on connecting rural diagnostics through the implementation of a hub-and-spoke model. As a culmination of the findings, the presentation outlines pivotal decision points for stakeholders, encompassing technology standards, collaborative frameworks, infrastructure development, cost considerations, network management strategies, and regulatory frameworks. The research contends for the necessity of dedicated drone policies tailored for essential services and emphasizes the potential public health benefits inherent in the strategic incorporation of cargo drones into healthcare logistics.