What Are BHISHM Cubes? The Lifesaving Medical Units PM Modi Gifted Zelenskyy

Kyiv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government during his visit to the war-torn country where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under the shadow of the raging war with Russia. Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for the humanitarian assistance of the Cubes which will help expedite the treatment of the injured and save precious lives.

What is BHISHM Cube?

The BHISHM Cube is a state-of-the-art mobile hospital unit, created under the “Project BHISHM” (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri). Launched in February 2022, this initiative highlights India’s dedication to delivering rapid medical assistance in disaster-stricken areas, emphasizing the country’s expanding role in global humanitarian aid.

This innovative Cube marks a significant advancement in medical technology, equipped to treat up to 200 casualties with a strong focus on speed and comprehensive care. The unit, which weighs 720 kilograms, is made up of 72 portable components.

These components can be easily transported by hand, bicycle, or even drone, providing extraordinary flexibility in deployment. With its cutting-edge design, the Cube can be fully operational within just 12 minutes of deployment—a crucial advantage in emergencies where every moment is vital.

Features of BHISHM Cube

• Each BHISHM Cube consists of medicines and equipment for the first line of care for all kinds of injuries and medical situations.
• It also includes surgical equipment for a basic operation room that can manage 10-15 basic surgeries per day.
• The Cube can handle about 200 cases of diverse nature in emergencies such as trauma, bleeding, burns, fractures, etc.
• It can also generate power and oxygen in limited amounts. A team of experts from India has been deployed to provide initial training to the Ukrainian side to operate the cube.

What makes the BHISHM Cube a game-changer?

The BHISHM Cube leverages advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to ensure real-time monitoring, efficient coordination, and effective management of medical operations in the field.

This sophisticated system enables precise tracking of medical supplies, including their usage and expiration dates, ensuring the unit is always ready for the next deployment. The integration of RFID-tagged equipment enhances operational efficiency, allowing for swift repacking and redeployment.

In May 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested the BHISHM Cube’s deployment at the Malpura drop zone in Agra. The cube was air-dropped from a height of 1,500 feet, using specially designed parachutes developed by the Air Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra.

Amazingly, within just 12 minutes of landing, the mobile hospital was fully operational, proving its capability in rapid response situations.

PM Modi's Ukraine Visit

A warm hug, a silent prayer with folded hands and a small toy. That was how Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured the memories of children who have lost their lives in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Soon after reaching the Ukrainian capital Kyiv from Poland, Modi was greeted by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the multimedia Martyrologist Exposition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine.

After a handshake, Modi gave a warm hug to Zelenskyy and as the two leaders walked towards the multimedia Exposition, slid a hand on his shoulder symbolising support for the leader of the war-torn nation.

After watching the multimedia presentations – that gave information about scores of children who died during the conflict – as part of the Exposition, Modi and Zelenskyy both stood silently in front of a wall-like structure which already had a lot of toys placed in memory of the children.

With folded hands, Modi offered a silent prayer before placing a small toy (a doll) at the memorial as the Ukrainian President placed a teddy bear.

“President @ZelenskyyUa and I paid homage at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv. Conflict is particularly devastating for young children. My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief," Modi posted on X after the visit.

Zelenskyy posted a video showing Modi hugging him on his Telegram channel.

“Prime Minister was deeply touched by the poignant exposition set up in memory of children who have lost their lives in the conflict. He expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of young lives and as a mark of respect placed a toy in their memory,” said a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs later.

In May 2024, UNICEF said that nearly 2,000 children have been killed since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia war.