In the remote districts of India, healthcare delivery has long been a challenge due to difficult terrains and inadequate infrastructure. Redwings Labs’ drone solutions are transforming this scenario by revolutionizing healthcare delivery in some of the country’s most remote areas. With support from SAMRIDH, a blended finance facility backed by USAID and implemented by IPE Global, Redwing Labs is setting up sustainable drone networks in India. These drones transport vital drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, ensuring swift and economical access to life-saving medical supplies.
By establishing autonomous drone supply chain systems, Redwing Labs guarantees on-demand delivery of over 150 medical products, including COVID-19 vaccines, regular immunization shots, blood products and samples, and urgent medical supplies. This initiative not only addresses the challenge of healthcare delivery in remote areas but also creates employment opportunities for women and youth. Drone operators, who are crucial to the success of this initiative, ensure the safe and timely arrival of aircraft at their intended locations.
Historically underrepresented in technological sectors, women are now active participants in drone-based healthcare delivery, thanks to this initiative. For youth in rural and remote regions in India, who often have limited job prospects and are compelled to migrate to larger cities, this initiative offers an exciting career path close to home.
Students from ITI Phulbani along with the technical team of Redwing Labs in Kandhamal, Odisha In June 2023, Redwings collaborated with ITI-Phulbani in the Kandhamal district of Odisha to train local youth on drone operations, ultimately generating local employment opportunities. Out of the many applicants for the drone operator training from ITI-Phulbani, 11 student trainees were selected through rigorous assessments. These promising candidates underwent intense training at the drone manufacturing facility of Redwing Labs in Bangalore, where they learned everything from assembling drones to mastering flight operations.
Debasish Behera, a trainee, from ITI-Phulbani Debasish Behera, a trainee, recounted his experience, “In the Redwings Labs’ drones training program, my training experience was incredible. We were taught about how to assemble different parts and operate a drone. Furthermore, we learned the different aspects to be kept in mind while working in a company such as interpersonal communication skills among colleagues and seniors, planning different work, etc. Talking about technical skills, we learned to assess the position, navigation, location, of a drone, etc. I was very interested in drones from the beginning. After training, we can explore any drone-related fields, such as deliveries, etc.”
The incorporation of a new drone training course at ITI-Phulbani signifies a broader shift in education, heralding the rise of futuristic skills. The students are also excited to be working with technologies that they were interested in but did not have access to. They are now poised to become pioneers in the drone operation sector, right in their home district.
Milan Ganda, a trainee, from ITI-Phulbani Milan Ganda, a trainee, says, “I learned a lot in the training. I learned the names and roles of different parts present in a drone. I always had an interest in drones and now I am happy to get real knowledge about their technicalities.”
Additionally, Redwing Labs is actively engaging the local government, stakeholders, and healthcare workers. From safety and security briefings, and drone flight demos, to hands-on training for medical staff, there’s a conscious effort to build a harmonious ecosystem where technology seamlessly integrates with healthcare.
Drones are no longer just high-tech toys – they are transforming aspirations and creating sustainable livelihoods. Overall, Redwing Labs initiative is not just about delivering medical supplies, it’s about transforming lives and empowering communities in India’s remote regions.
Students from ITI Phulbani along with the technical team of Redwing Labs in Kandhamal, Odisha In June 2023, Redwings collaborated with ITI-Phulbani in the Kandhamal district of Odisha to train local youth on drone operations, ultimately generating local employment opportunities. Out of the many applicants for the drone operator training from ITI-Phulbani, 11 student trainees were selected through rigorous assessments. These promising candidates underwent intense training at the drone manufacturing facility of Redwing Labs in Bangalore, where they learned everything from assembling drones to mastering flight operations.
Debasish Behera, a trainee, from ITI-Phulbani Debasish Behera, a trainee, recounted his experience, “In the Redwings Labs’ drones training program, my training experience was incredible. We were taught about how to assemble different parts and operate a drone. Furthermore, we learned the different aspects to be kept in mind while working in a company such as interpersonal communication skills among colleagues and seniors, planning different work, etc. Talking about technical skills, we learned to assess the position, navigation, location, of a drone, etc. I was very interested in drones from the beginning. After training, we can explore any drone-related fields, such as deliveries, etc.”
The incorporation of a new drone training course at ITI-Phulbani signifies a broader shift in education, heralding the rise of futuristic skills. The students are also excited to be working with technologies that they were interested in but did not have access to. They are now poised to become pioneers in the drone operation sector, right in their home district.
Milan Ganda, a trainee, from ITI-Phulbani Milan Ganda, a trainee, says, “I learned a lot in the training. I learned the names and roles of different parts present in a drone. I always had an interest in drones and now I am happy to get real knowledge about their technicalities.”
Additionally, Redwing Labs is actively engaging the local government, stakeholders, and healthcare workers. From safety and security briefings, and drone flight demos, to hands-on training for medical staff, there’s a conscious effort to build a harmonious ecosystem where technology seamlessly integrates with healthcare.
Drones are no longer just high-tech toys – they are transforming aspirations and creating sustainable livelihoods. Overall, Redwing Labs initiative is not just about delivering medical supplies, it’s about transforming lives and empowering communities in India’s remote regions.
