• Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to the government of Ukraine on August 23 during his historic visit to Kyiv. 

• Each BHISHM Cube consists of medicines and equipment for the first line of care for all kinds of injuries and medical situations. 

• The Cubes will help in expeditious treatment of the injured and contribute to saving precious lives.

What are BHISHM Cubes?

• Under the umbrella of Project Aarogya Maitri, a programme to provide essential medical supplies to developing countries as humanitarian assistance, the government has created the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) initiative, which provides the means to deliver all basic facilities and equipment for providing emergency medical care in an easy to use and rapidly deployable manner.

• The BHISHM Cubes, standing for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri, represent India’s commitment to cooperation and friendship through providing crucial medical aid in emergencies. 

• These compact, portable units are designed to deliver first-line care in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas, offering essential medical support when it is most needed.

Facilities in BHISHM Cube

• Each BHISHM Cube is a self-contained medical facility equipped with everything required for immediate medical care including an operating theatre, X-ray machines, blood testing equipment, ventilators, and supplies for treating a range of injuries. 

• These Cubes contain essential medicines and equipment to handle a range of injuries, such as trauma, bleeding, burns, and fractures. 

• They are invaluable assets, especially when local medical services are either overwhelmed or inaccessible.

• Beyond basic care, the BHISHM Cubes are outfitted with surgical tools necessary for a makeshift Operation Room. These mobile units are capable of performing 10-15 surgeries per day, accommodating a variety of procedures from minor surgeries to more complex, life-saving operations. 

• This flexibility allows them to address the diverse medical needs that arise in emergency scenarios.

• They are designed to generate their own power and produce a limited supply of oxygen, which is vital for sustaining life and supporting medical procedures in areas lacking essential infrastructure.

• Each BHISHM Cube costs approximately Rs 1.5 crore.

Features of BHISHM Cubes

• One of the standout features of the BHISHM Cubes is their ability to function independently, even in remote or war-torn environments. 

• The BHISHM Cubes come with a small generator, stretchers, modular medical tools, medications, and food supplies, allowing them to provide comprehensive care in a variety of scenarios. 

• A notable feature of the BHISHM Cubes is the inclusion of advanced medical equipment, each piece tagged with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification). 

• This technology facilitates easy repacking and redeployment, ensuring that the equipment is always ready for use.

• The Cubes are also equipped with the state-of-the-art BHISHM software system, which is accessible via a tablet. This system allows operators to quickly locate items, track their usage, and monitor expiration dates. 

• By streamlining inventory management, the software ensures that the BHISHM Cubes are always fully stocked and prepared for future missions.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)