AFMS Integrates Drones and AI to Improve Remote Healthcare Access
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) is adopting drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare delivery in remote and difficult terrains. This initiative focuses on transporting blood bags, medicines, and medical equipment to areas where traditional logistics face challenges.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of AFMS, highlighted the integration of telemedicine, AI, point-of-care devices, and drones as key components of this pilot project. She noted the potential to extend drone use beyond supply delivery to include medical evacuations in the future.
Healthcare Support for Axiom-4 Mission Astronauts
The AFMS is responsible for the health of all four astronauts involved in the commercial Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. This includes astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is part of the mission crew.
Vice Admiral Sarin explained that the Institute of Aviation Medicine is providing primary healthcare support from the US, with a Group Captain stationed in Houston, Texas, to oversee the astronauts’ health during their mission.
Advancements in Medical Technology at AFMC
At the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, where five new medical cadets were recently commissioned, Lt Gen Pankaj Rao emphasized that technological advancements are being implemented across the medical field, from disease prevention to treatment.
AFMS has established a Genome Sequencing Laboratory equipped with Next-Generation Sequencing platforms. This facility supports advanced research in inherited diseases, oncology, transplant medicine, and reproductive health. It enables precise diagnosis of rare genetic disorders and detailed molecular profiling of malignancies.
Looking Ahead: AI and Drone Technology in Healthcare
- Drone delivery of essential medical supplies in challenging terrains
- Potential for drone-based medical evacuations
- Use of AI and telemedicine to improve remote healthcare access
- On-site primary healthcare support for astronauts during space missions
- Advanced genetic diagnostics to support personalized medicine
For healthcare professionals interested in how AI is transforming medical services, exploring courses on artificial intelligence and automation can provide valuable insights. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical knowledge to stay updated with these technologies.
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