Wings of Healing: regulatory landscape, case studies and the Indian prologue of drones in healthcare

The healthcare sector is among the most rapidly expanding sectors. Drones are increasingly being used to reach the unreached in healthcare. Drones exhibit profound significance by overcoming accessibility challenges and offering versatile solutions. The future of healthcare is in the air, and new government initiatives uncover the country’s rapid market growth. Investments in drone technologies are rising, with research predicting significant drone expansion in the upcoming decade. Since this sector is still in its nascent stage, the time is ripe for stakeholders to collectively work for the effective implementation of drone technology in India. In this context, the paper seeks to bridge existing knowledge gaps by analysing the global regulatory landscape, the evolution of drones in India, used cases in healthcare, and the barriers that constrain their deployment in the healthcare domain. It explores the obstacles that hinder the widespread adoption of drones. Addressing these challenges becomes essential in unlocking the full potential of drone technology in revolutionising healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes and overcoming logistical constraints. The report argues about the potential shift drones can bring to healthcare delivery while underlining the necessity of addressing regulatory concerns and fostering public trust.