Context: Recently, India has committed to donating four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine, aimed at enhancing emergency medical care amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

About Bharat Health Initiatives for Sahyog Hita and Maitri (BHISHM)

• The BHISHM cubes are designed to deliver rapid emergency medical care, equipped with essential medicines and surgical tools for use in situations such as wars or natural disasters. 

• Purpose: Provides compact, mobile medical units for emergency care, designed to deliver medical facilities swiftly and effectively.

Key features of BHISHM cubes

• Compact and organised: Medical supplies and equipment are packed into 15-inch cubical boxes. 

• These boxes are organized based on injury types and medical needs, making them efficient for quick deployment in emergencies.

• Transport flexibility: The cubes are mounted on an adjustable framework, allowing them to be transported via multiple modes, including air, sea, land, and drone. 

• Each cube weighs up to 20 kg and is designed to be carried by an individual.

Mother and BHISHM cubes

• 36 mini cubes combine to form one mother cube.

• Two mother cubes combine to form one BHISHM Cube.

• One Mother Cube offers first-line care, shelter, and food for up to five people for 48 hours. 

• The second mother cube is equipped for surgical care, handling 10-15 basic surgeries per day.

• Ease of use and management: Medicines and equipment are classified, with RFID inventory management and real-time stock updates. 

• Additionally, a dedicated app and a tablet with support for 180 languages are provided for operational instructions.

Capacity and Features

• Each BHISHM Cube can handle around 200 emergency cases, including trauma, burns, fractures, and shock.

• The cubes are capable of supporting basic surgeries and can generate their power and oxygen for limited durations.

• Technological Integration: BHISHM cubes incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics for effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services.

Significance of the move

• By providing the BHISHM Cube to countries in need, such as Ukraine, India demonstrates its commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

• The project aligns with India’s broader initiatives like ‘Aarogya Maitri’, aimed at supporting developing countries affected by natural disasters or crises.

• The deployment of the BHISHM Cube enhances disaster preparedness by ensuring that essential medical services are available when and where they are needed most.

• The gifting serves as a tool of soft diplomacy, strengthening India’s international relations by contributing to global health and safety.

About Aarogya Maitri Health Cube

• It is the world’s first portable hospital.

• It was designed indigenously under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri),

• It contains medical equipment and supplies such as a mini-ICU, an operation theatre, a cooking station, food, water, a power generator, blood test equipment, power generator, an X-ray machine, and more.

• Objective: Part of India's initiative to provide essential medical supplies to developing countries affected by disasters or humanitarian crises.

• Importance: Highlights India's commitment to international humanitarian assistance.