Skye Air Mobility has announced a collaboration with CARiTAS Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences, Kottayam, Kerala, to revolutionise medical deliveries through drone technology. This partnership aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency in the region by leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for the transportation of essential medical supplies and diagnostic samples. The Caritas Drone Medical Supply Delivery Unit is fist of its kind in South Kerala.
The initiative will see drones carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms over distances of 10-15 kilometres, connecting CARiTAS Hospital with various other satellite healthcare facilities of CARiTAS (CFH, CKMM, CHPD) and remote areas in the region. The drone delivery system is expected to significantly reduce delivery times from hours to just 5-7 minutes, ensuring critical medical supplies reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently and also helps in reduction of carbon emission via reduction of road transportations.
Over the last 6 decades, Caritas Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences has been a revolution in the healthcare segment, which paved the way for actualising the dream called a healthy and happy community with latest cutting edge technologies. With 5 satellite centres with both IP, OP, pharmacy, lab, radiology and supportive facilities, Caritas Hospital has tried to reach to the patient for providing better patient care. The first drone flight successfully transported a package of vital medicines from CARiTAS Hospital to Caritas Family Hospital and CARiTAS KMM located 10-15 kilometres away.
Rev Dr. Binu Kunnath, Director of CARiTAS Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to work with Skye Air Mobility on this project. Drones are a game-changer for healthcare in Kottayam, helping us reach patients in remote areas much faster and more reliably. Whether it’s delivering medicine, transporting lab samples, or providing medical equipment, these drones will improve care in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on healthcare in our region.”
Dr. Ajith Venugopalan, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CARiTAS Hospital described the importance of the drone facilities and the various process by which it is going to benefit patient service and community. Ankit Kumar, CEO & Founder of Skye Air Mobility, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with CARiTAS Hospital represents a significant step forward in the application of drone technology in healthcare. By establishing an aerial supply chain, we are not only reducing delivery times but also minimising costs and environmental impact. This initiative serves as a model for future healthcare logistics solutions across India.”
Fr. Joice Nandikunnel, Joint Director, CARiTAS Hospital highlighted the changing trends on healthcare industry and the aspect of drones in providing services in remote centre.
The drone delivery program is set to undergo a series of trial runs over the coming weeks, with plans for a full-scale rollout across Kottayam district in the near future. Both CARiTAS Hospital and Skye Air Mobility are committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the drone delivery system, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
Founded in 2020, the Delhi-based start-up offers drones for the delivery of retail and ecommerce products, postal services, and food products. It also provides last-mile drone delivery services for healthcare, defense, agri-commodity and essential supplies.