In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Government of India has launched the Bharat Health Initiative for Cooperation and Friendship (BHISHM), aimed at providing emergency healthcare in disaster-stricken regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will donate four BHISHM cubes to Ukraine, designed to offer robust medical support in crises resulting from warfare or natural disasters.
What is BHISHM?
The BHISHM initiative focuses on delivering critical medical supplies through compact cubic boxes, each measuring 15 inches. These cubes are designed to be easily deployable in emergency situations, containing essential medicines and medical equipment neatly packed for quick access. The initiative aims to address injuries and medical challenges that arise during emergencies.
Specifications and Features of the Mini Cubes
The lightweight mini cubes, weighing a maximum of 20 kilograms each, can be transported by a single individual. These cubes are built on a sturdy framework that supports multi-modal transportation, whether it’s by air, sea, land, or even drones. A set of 36 mini cubes combines to create one mother cube, and two mother cubes together form one BHISHM cube.
Contents of the BHISHM Cube
Each mother cube is equipped with essential medications and tools to provide preliminary care for a variety of injuries and emergency medical situations. Additionally, it contains provisions for shelter and food for a team of five for up to 48 hours. The second mother cube is specifically tailored for surgical interventions, equipped with surgical instruments and the ability to establish a basic operating room capable of managing 10 to 15 fundamental surgeries daily.
Multilingual Support and User-Friendly Features
Understanding the need for clarity in emergencies, the BHISHM cubes come equipped with user-friendly medications and equipment. The inventory management system utilizes RFID technology, automatically updating stock levels and ensuring accurate tracking. The BHISHM app, integrated with a digital tablet, provides necessary information through instructional videos available in approximately 180 languages. This feature makes it accessible for diverse linguistic backgrounds in crisis situations, enhancing its usability in various regions.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Capabilities
The BHISHM cube is engineered to handle an array of emergency situations, including trauma, bleeding, burns, fractures, and shock. It is designed to manage approximately 200 unique medical cases and supports basic surgical operations. Moreover, these cubes have the capacity to generate their own power and oxygen for a limited time, showcasing their self-sufficiency in critical environments.
Conclusion
The initiative to send four BHISHM cubes to Ukraine before Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv underscores India’s commitment to international humanitarian efforts. By offering a comprehensive and versatile emergency healthcare solution, the BHISHM initiative stands as a beacon of support for countries facing health crises due to conflict or natural disasters.
