New Delhi, July 16 -- Using drones to transport sputum samples for tuberculosis (TB) tests can dramatically reduce both the cost and time involved in diagnosis, according to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study. The pilot found that patients' overall cost for the diagnosis fell from Rs.9,451 on an average to Rs. Rs.91, while the time taken to receive a laboratory report fell from 15 days to five.

The project was carried out under the i-DRONE initiative in the Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana to study how unmanned flight systems alter patient costs and laboratory delays in remote areas.

Under the India's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), the medical test itself is provided free of charge to the patient at p...