BHISHM cubes gifted to Kyiv for emergency medical care UPSC

BHISHM CUBES

Source: IndianExpress

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Ukrainian President thanked Prime Minister Modi for the BHISHM cubes, a critical tool that will help expedite the treatment of the injured and save precious lives amid the war with Russia.

Details

The BHISHM Cube is also known as the Arogya Maitri Bhishm Cube.
It is an innovative initiative by the Indian Government designed to provide rapid and effective medical assistance during emergencies and disaster situations.
These cubes were developed under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri), reflecting India's commitment to global health and humanitarian aid.
The BHISHM Cube has been successfully deployed in high-altitude areas by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army in August 2024.

Key Features

The BHISHM Cube is designed for easy transportation (including air, sea, land, and drones).
Its modular nature allows it to be deployed rapidly: ideal for emergency situations where quick response is critical.
Each cube is equipped with a wide range of medical supplies (portable ventilators, multi-parameter monitors, and surgical tools).
The BHISHM Cube can support up to 200 patients.
It comes with an accompanying app that offers medical professionals detailed information on the contents and usage of the equipment.
Built to withstand harsh environments, the BHISHM Cube is waterproof, corrosion-proof, and complies with all relevant regulatory standards.

PROJECT AAROGYA MAITRI

Project Aarogya Maitri is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing essential medical supplies and support to developing nations facing humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters or health emergencies.
This project is part of India's broader commitment to humanitarian assistance and reflects its role as a responsible global player.

Objectives:

Key Features:

Under this project, India provides a range of medical supplies, including life-saving drugs, surgical equipment, and other essential healthcare products.
As part of the project, India has developed and deployed BHISHM Cubes—compact, mobile medical units designed for rapid deployment in crisis situations.
Plans to establish Global-South Center of Excellence to research and develop scalable solutions for healthcare challenges in the Global South, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The project also includes provisions for scholarships for students from developing nations to study in India and the creation of forums for young diplomats to engage and collaborate.

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements about the BHISHM Cubes:

The BHISHM Cube is part of an initiative by the Government of India to enhance military combat capabilities in high-altitude areas.
Each BHISHM Cube includes advanced medical equipment like portable ventilators and multi-parameter monitors.
In August 2024, the BHISHM Cube was successfully deployed in a high-altitude para-drop operation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is not correct: The BHISHM Cube is not primarily designed to enhance military combat capabilities; instead, it is an initiative under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) aimed at providing rapid and effective medical assistance during emergencies and disaster situations. It is intended for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Statement 2 is correct: Each BHISHM Cube is equipped to provide emergency medical care to up to 200 patients and includes advanced medical equipment such as portable ventilators, multi-parameter monitors, and surgical tools.
Statement 3 is correct: In August 2024, a high-altitude para-drop operation successfully demonstrated the utility of the BHISHM Cube in providing trauma care in remote environments, particularly showcasing its application in military and humanitarian aid synergy.