PROJECT BHISHM
Decoding World’s First Indigenous Portable Hospital
“I would now like to announce a new ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project. Under this project, India will provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crisis” – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
During the historic visit to Kyiv last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented four ‘Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri’ (BHISHM) Cubes to the Ukrainian government, showcasing India’s commitment to humanitarian aid.
These innovative portable hospitals, the first of its kind, are designed to provide rapid medical assistance in emergencies.
Each Cube was equipped with medicines, surgical equipment for basic operations, and the capacity to handle around 200 diverse emergency cases. With self-generating power and oxygen supply capabilities, and accompanied by Indian experts for initial training, these Cubes represented a significant advancement in portable medical facilities. It not only reinforced India’s support for Ukraine but also demonstrated the potential of such technology to save lives in challenging circumstances.
This document highlights the imperatives of this landmark innovation called ‘BHISHM’.
Arogya Maitri Project
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Voice of Global South Summit in January 2023, the ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project is a humanitarian initiative that extends India’s commitment to global health and disaster relief.
Building on the success of the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ program, which provided Indian-made COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries during the pandemic, ‘Aarogya Maitri’ aims to offer essential medical supplies to developing nations affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
This project underscores India’s role as a responsible global partner, ready to provide crucial support when and where it’s most needed. By offering medical aid to countries in times of distress, India continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties and reinforce its position as a key player in international humanitarian efforts.
Understanding BHISHM
The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM), part of Project Aarogya Maitri, is an innovative emergency medical aid program. At its core are compact, portable “mini cubes” filled with essential medicines and equipment, designed for rapid deployment in various emergencies.
The BHISHM system is highly modular and scalable. Thirty-six mini cubes combine to form a mother cube, and two mother cubes create a full BHISHM Cube. Each complete cube can support medical care for up to 200 cases, including surgical procedures. The system incorporates advanced technology, featuring inventory management via Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and digital support in 180 languages.
A standout feature of the BHISHM Cube is its rapid deployment capability. In mass casualty incidents, the entire unit can be set up within 12 minutes, bridging the crucial gap between primary and definitive care during the critical “golden hour” of emergencies. The cube comprises 72 easily transportable components, designed for versatile delivery methods including hand-carry, bicycle, or even drone transport.
The cubes are also built to withstand harsh conditions, being robust, waterproof, and lightweight. Their flexible configuration allows deployment in diverse emergency scenarios. The system can be quickly dispatched via airdrop or ground transportation, ensuring swift response to crises anywhere.
Further, advanced medical equipment within the cube is RFID-tagged for efficient management. A state-of-the-art software system, accessible via a provided tablet, allows operators to quickly locate items, monitor usage and expiry dates, and maintain readiness for future deployments.
The BHISHM Cube also integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics. It also enhances disaster response by facilitating effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
Recent deployment of BHISHM
1. In January 2024, two Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM units were deployed in Ayodhya to support medical readiness for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. The deployment demonstrates the system’s versatility in handling both planned events and unexpected emergencies.
2. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army on August 17, 2024, successfully carried out a groundbreaking operation, demonstrating their combined capabilities in humanitarian aid delivery. In a first-of-its-kind mission, the defence forces precisely para-dropped an Aarogya Maitri Health Cube in a high-altitude area at approximately 15,000 feet.
3. The operation aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing India’s ability to provide swift and effective support in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) scenarios.
Conclusion
The Aayogya Maitri Project and BHISHM initiative mark a groundbreaking leap in portable emergency medical care. The first-of-its-kind initiative blends extensive medical capabilities, swift deployment, and cutting-edge technology. It stands as a formidable tool for saving lives and delivering essential medical support in challenging situations Worldwide.
Through this initiative, India is not only advancing its own emergency medical response but also extending a lifeline to the world, showcasing its commitment to global health and humanitarian aid. By sharing this innovation, India moves with its aim of supporting communities across the globe and reinforces its role as a key player in international emergency response and medical care.
