What are BHISHM cubes that India is gifting Ukraine? All you need to know

India has announced that it would gift four Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) cubes to Ukraine, aimed at bolstering emergency medical care amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative falls under Project Aarogya Maitri, a program designed to provide essential medical supplies to developing nations as part of humanitarian assistance.

The BHISHM initiative is designed to deliver basic medical facilities and equipment in a mobile and easily deployable format. The mobile hospitals are compact, with essential medicines and equipment packed into cubical boxes measuring 15 inches each. These cubes are organized based on the types of injuries and medical issues likely to be encountered in emergencies such as war or natural disasters.

Officials highlighted that the cubes are mounted on a robust and adjustable framework that allows for multi-modal transport—by air, sea, land, and even drone. Each cube can be carried by an individual, with a maximum weight of 20 kg.


One BHISHM cube is equipped to handle approximately 200 emergency cases, addressing a range of needs including trauma, bleeding, burns, fractures, and shock. The cubes also support basic surgical procedures and have the capability to generate their own power and oxygen for limited durations.

Here's all you need to know

• Part of Project Aarogya Maitri: BHISHM provides essential facilities and equipment for emergency medical care in a user-friendly, rapidly deployable format.
• Compact and Organized: Medical supplies and equipment are packed in 15-inch cubical boxes, organized by injury types and medical needs for war or natural disasters.
• Transport Flexibility: The cubes are mounted on an adjustable framework, allowing multi-mode transport (air, sea, land, and drone) and can be carried by an individual (max weight 20 kg).
• Mother and BHISHM Cubes: 36 mini cubes make one mother cube, and two mother cubes combine to form one BHISHM Cube.
• Functionality of Mother Cubes: One mother cube provides first-line care, shelter, and food for a crew of five for 48 hours. The other mother cube contains surgical equipment for 10-15 basic surgeries per day.
• Ease of Use and Management: Medicines and equipment are clearly classified, with RFID inventory management and real-time stock updates. The BHISHM app and a tablet with 180 language support provide instructional resources.
• Capacity and Features: Each BHISHM Cube can handle around 200 emergency cases, including trauma, burns, fractures, and shock. It supports basic surgeries and generates its own power and oxygen for limited durations.

This decision to donate the mobile hospitals was made before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine, reflecting India's commitment to providing humanitarian aid amidst the protracted conflict, a government official said.