Drone technology is emerging as a game changer in India's fight against tuberculosis (TB), with a new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showing that it can dramatically reduce both the time and cost of diagnosis in remote areas.

The findings come from ICMR's i-DRONE initiative, which evaluated the use of drones to transport TB sputum samples from hard-to-reach locations. The study was carried out in Telangana's Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district in collaboration with AIIMS Bibinagar and the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

According to the study, drone-assisted transport reduced the median turnaround time for TB diagnosis from 15 days to just 5 days, enabling patients to receive test results much faster and begin treatment earlier.

The research also highlighted a major reduction in patients' expenses. The average out-of-pocket cost for TB diagnosis dropped sharply from around ₹9,451 to just ₹91, making diagnostic services far more affordable for people living in remote regions.

The findings suggest that drone technology can help bridge the healthcare access gap in difficult terrains by ensuring quicker transportation of samples to laboratories, improving timely diagnosis and supporting India's efforts to eliminate tuberculosis.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel shared the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, highlighting the potential of innovative technologies such as drones in strengthening the National TB Elimination Programme.