The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has successfully conducted a pilot study using drones to transport human corneas and amniotic membrane grafts. The project, part of the i-DRONE initiative, transported corneal tissue between Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in Sonipat and AIIMS in Jhajjar and New Delhi. This aerial logistics method significantly reduced transport time compared to road travel, ensuring better specimen integrity for transplant surgeries. The study aims to establish operational workflows and evidence for integrating drone technology into routine medical practice. This initiative is designed to improve access to vision-restoring surgeries, particularly in underserved areas.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has successfully conducted a pilot study using drones to transport human corneas and amniotic membrane grafts. The project, part of the i-DRONE initiative, transported corneal tissue between Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in Sonipat and AIIMS in Jhajjar and New Delhi. This aerial logistics method significantly reduced transport time compared to road travel, ensuring better specimen integrity for transplant surgeries. The study aims to establish operational workflows and evidence for integrating drone technology into routine medical practice. This initiative is designed to improve access to vision-restoring surgeries, particularly in underserved areas.