India has taken a significant step in providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine by delivering 10 portable hospitals known as ‘BHISHM Cubes’ during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the war-torn nation. These mobile medical units, part of the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri (BHISHM), have been designed to deliver essential medical care in a compact, easy-to-transport format.
On August 23, 2024, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced that India handed over these BHISHM Cubes, which include 22 tonnes of medical supplies along with 10 generator sets, to Ukraine. The portable hospitals are compact units, with medical supplies and equipment organized in cubical boxes measuring 15 inches. These boxes are structured to address various medical emergencies, such as trauma, burns, fractures, and shock, that are common in conflict zones.
Each BHISHM Cube, weighing no more than 20 kg, is equipped to handle around 200 emergency cases. The cubes are designed for flexibility in transport, with the ability to be carried by individuals and mounted on a versatile framework that supports air, sea, land, and even drone transport. This adaptability ensures that medical aid can reach even the most inaccessible areas quickly.
The BHISHM initiative is a key part of India's Project Aarogya Maitri, which focuses on providing rapid-response medical care during emergencies. Each BHISHM Cube is actually composed of 36 smaller units, referred to as mini cubes. These mini cubes are combined to form a ‘mother cube,’ with two mother cubes making up one full BHISHM Cube.
One mother cube is designed to offer first-line medical care, shelter, and food for a crew of five for up to 48 hours, while the other is equipped with surgical tools capable of performing 10-15 basic surgeries per day. The system is managed using RFID technology for inventory control and real-time stock updates, making it user-friendly and efficient. Additionally, the BHISHM app, which supports 180 languages, provides instructional resources for those operating the cubes.
The decision to donate these mobile hospitals was made prior to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine, underscoring India's commitment to providing meaningful humanitarian aid amidst ongoing conflict. The BHISHM Cubes stand as a symbol of India's dedication to supporting global peace and medical care in times of need.
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