Done and delivered by drone: Pharma companies chart a new course

The industry is taking the lead in using the devices and a wider business use is expected soon

A drone delivering medical supplies in remote hilly regions could save lives: It is also a business opportunity attracting big pharmaceutical companies.

Cipla, the third ranking company in India’s pharma market, recently started delivering critical medicines – cardiac, respiratory and other essential therapies – to hospitals and pharmacies in Himachal Pradesh in partnership with Skye Air Mobility, a Gurugram-based drone delivery company.

Mumbai-based Cipla is the first among large pharma companies to start drone-based deliveries. It is a significant event as most such services in remote hills are run by state governments.

Ankit Kumar, founder and chief executive officer of Skye Air Mobility,