BHISHM Cubes – A Revolutionary Indian Innovation to Save Lives at Disaster Sites

Bhubaneswar, 23/07/ 2025: In a remarkable stride towards strengthening disaster response and emergency healthcare in India, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has received three sets of BHISHM Cubes, a cutting-edge innovation under the Aarogya Maitri Project, developed by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) with the technical expertise of the Ministry of Defence. These modular, mobile medical kits promise to revolutionize the way emergency medical care is delivered, right at the heart of disaster zones.

BHISHM – short for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri- is more than just a medical kit. It is India’s commitment to life, resilience, and innovation. Designed to provide immediate trauma care to up to 200 disaster victims, one set of BHISHM cubes contains 338 essential items, including ayurvedic medicines, surgical tools, and even portable diagnostic devices.

“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,” said Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

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, meticulously designed in 66 lightweight aluminium modules (each under 20 kg), can be easily transported and set up in just a couple of hours, a dramatic improvement over the traditional 12-hour setup time. The cubes 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.

“In disaster zones, time is life. BHISHM Cubes bridge the gap between rescue and treatment, ensuring last-mile medical support,” emphasized Air Vice Marshal (Retd. Prof) Dr. Tanmoy Roy, chief innovator and designer of the BHISHM Cube and former Chief Surgeon to the Indian Armed Forces.

The training saw 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, NDRF, OSDMA, and the AIIMS fraternity.

Already operational in high-altitude terrains by the Indian Army and Air Force, BHISHM Cubes have also gained international recognition, having been deployed in Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and Myanmar.