In a major leap towards enhancing disaster preparedness, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has received three cutting-edge BHISHM Cubes, marking a significant milestone in India’s emergency medical response infrastructure.
Developed under the Aarogya Maitri Project by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), with technical assistance from the Ministry of Defence, these mobile trauma care kits represent a paradigm shift in disaster medical aid. Each cube is capable of treating up to 200 victims and contains 338 critical items, ranging from Ayurvedic remedies and surgical tools to portable diagnostic devices.
The BHISHM Cubes — short for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri — can be set up in less than two hours with 66 lightweight aluminium modules. Once deployed, they offer comprehensive facilities including advanced life support, X-ray and ultrasound machines, medicine refrigeration units, power-backed workstations, temporary accommodations, and a fully functional operation theatre.
Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said:
This is a noble integration of technology and humanitarian spirit. BHISHM Cubes enable life-saving treatment within the critical golden hour, preventing the loss of precious lives during disasters.
A special team from the Health Ministry conducted a comprehensive training and demonstration session for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and disaster response teams at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This hands-on training aims to ensure rapid deployment and effective use of the cubes during emergencies.
Each BHISHM Cube is meticulously designed with 66 lightweight aluminium modules, each weighing under 20 kg. These cubes can be easily transported and set up in just a couple of hours, a significant improvement over the traditional 12-hour setup time. They include advanced trauma life support tools, portable X-ray and ultrasound machines, refrigeration for temperature-sensitive medicines, generator-powered workstations, temporary accommodation for health staff, and a fully functional operation theatre setup.
Air Vice Marshal (Retd. Prof) Dr. Tanmoy Roy, the chief innovator and designer of the BHISHM Cube and former Chief Surgeon of the Indian Armed Forces, emphasised:
In disaster zones, time is life. BHISHM Cubes bridge the gap between rescue and treatment, ensuring last-mile medical support.
The training session featured participation from key officials and medical professionals, including DEAN Dr. P. R. Mohapatra, Dr. Satyajit Mishra, Dr. Soubhagya Kumar Jena, MS Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, DDA Lt. Col. Abhijit Sarkar, T&E HoD Dr. Chittaranjan Mohany, Dr. Upendra Kumar Hansda, Dr. Jayanta Kumar Mitra, as well as representatives from NDRF and OSDMA, along with members of the AIIMS fraternity.
Already operational in high-altitude terrains thanks to the Indian Army and Air Force, BHISHM Cubes have received international recognition, having been deployed in countries such as Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and Myanmar.
