BHISHM CUBES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Health/Sci & Tech)

News-CRUX-10     26th August 2024        

Context: India has pledged to donate four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine to boost emergency medical care amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.


BHISHM Cubes

  • About: It standing for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri, is designed to enhance medical readiness and disaster response capabilities across India.
  • Developed by: Agra-based Air Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).
  • Announced by: Prime Minister of India at the Global South Summit.
  • Features:

o Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube: The project features mobile hospitals, known as BHISHM Cubes, which are fully equipped to treat up to 200 casualties during emergencies.

o Advanced Medical Capabilities: These mobile units include operation theaters, mini-ICUs, ventilators, and diagnostic equipment, making them capable of handling a wide range of injuries, from fractures to severe bleeding.

o Rapid Deployment: It can be deployed within 12 minutes, ensuring a swift response during the critical "golden hour" following a disaster.

o Transportability and Flexibility: The units consist of 72 easily transportable components, which can be moved by hand, cycle, or drone.

o Cutting-edge Technology Integration: The project incorporates advanced medical equipment, AI, and data analytics to optimize medical service efficiency and coordination during emergencies.

o Versatility in Emergency Response: BHISHM Cubes are robust and versatile, suitable for airdrops and ground transportation, making them adaptable to different emergency scenarios.

o Software-Driven Efficiency: The state-of-the-art BHISHM software system is used for inventory management, ensuring that medical supplies are efficiently utilized and ready for redeployment.