Context
- A study under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)’s i-DRONE initiative, conducted by AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, found that drones can efficiently transport TB sputum samples and improve healthcare access by bridging the last-mile gap in remote areas.
Key Highlights of the Study
- Dramatic Cost Reduction: The average out-of-pocket expenditure for patients (which includes medical expenses, travel, food, and wage loss for patients and attendants) plummeted from ₹9,451 to just ₹91 (or ₹90.9).
- Turnaround Time Slashed: The total time required for diagnosis was reduced significantly from 15 days to just 5 days.
- Improved Reporting Efficiency: Before the intervention, over 92% of patients had to wait more than two days to receive their test results. With the introduction of the drone phase, 76.3% of patients received their results the next day, and only 16.3% experienced delays beyond two days.
- Operational Workflow: Suspected TB patients in remote villages (located 10 km to 30 km from the nearest diagnostic facility) only need to visit their local Primary Health Centre (PHC) or subcentre.
About the i-DRONE Initiative
- Full Form: Drone Response and Outreach in North East (i-DRONE).
- Nodal Agency: Formulated and driven by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- Evolution: Originally conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines to geographically isolated and challenging terrains (initially rolled out in Manipur, Nagaland, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
- Expanded Horizon: The platform has since scaled up across the country to transport:
- Blood bags and blood-related products under specific low-temperature controls.
- Essential medications to high-altitude and sub-zero temperature zones (e.g., Himachal Pradesh).
- Ophthalmic biomaterials like human corneas and amniotic membrane grafts for time-sensitive transplant surgeries.
- Sputum samples and DOTS medications supporting the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)
| About Tuberculosis (TB) Causative Agent: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. Transmission: It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Vaccine: The BCG vaccine protects against severe forms of TB, especially in children. National Goal: India aims to eliminate TB by 2025 under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). |
With reference to the i-DRONE initiative and Tuberculosis (TB), consider the following statements:
1. The i-DRONE initiative was originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines in geographically challenging regions.
2. Under the initiative, drones are used only for transporting sputum samples related to tuberculosis.
3. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air.
4. India aims to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025 under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct: The i-DRONE (Drone Response and Outreach in North East) initiative was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines to geographically isolated regions such as Manipur, Nagaland, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: The initiative has expanded beyond TB sample transportation to include blood bags, medicines, ophthalmic biomaterials, and other healthcare supplies.
• Statement 3 is Correct: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
• Statement 4 is Correct: India has set the target of eliminating TB by 2025 under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).