AIIMS Mangalagiri Showcases BHISHM Cube --- A Compact & Deployable Medical Unit for Disaster-Hit Areas.

Mangalagiri (prajaamaravati);

AIIMS Mangalagiri held a demonstration program on BHISHM Cube under the Aarogya Maitri Project for Disaster Management today i.e. on July 19th, 2025, at the Auditorium under the aegis of Hon’ble Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Mangalagiri Prof. (Dr.) Ahanthem Santa Singh.

The event was attended by Shri. Prakhar Jain IAS, Managing Director, AP State Disaster Management Authority, Dr. G Lakshmisha IAS, District Collector, NTR Dist., Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi, District Medical & Health Officer, Guntur Dist., Dr. Satish, Chief Medical Officer, National Disaster Response Force(NDRF), 10th Battalion, NTR Dist., Shri. Lakshmi Kumari, Deputy Collector, Guntur Dist., Shri. N Sk. Khajavali, District Revenue Officer, Guntur Dist., Shri. M Srinivas Reddy, District Fire Officer, Guntur. Shri. B Venkateswar Rao, Asst. Commandant, Shri. Vasudeva Rao, Inspector from State District Response Force (SDRF)

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Dr. Tanmay Roy, an eminent military surgeon, demonstrated how the cubes can be transformed into functional field hospitals within minutes.

Aarogya Maitri Project – The Honourable Prime Minister announced the concept of the Aarogya Maitri Project. This evolutionary concept is based on the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family’.

Under this project, BHISHM - Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, & Maitri – Cube, a mobile medical unit solution, was conceived to emphasize India’s humanitarian outreach using Made-in-India solutions to provide swift and comprehensive care during natural and man-made disasters. It aims to deliver medical support globally during disasters and humanitarian crises. These cubes demonstrated their mettle during the Turkey earthquake where they were deployed with success. They were also deployed during the G20 summit in Kashmir and were demonstrated to all participating nations' representatives.

BHISHM cubes have been delivered to all AIIMS and central government hospitals by the Disaster Management Cell, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India & AIIMS Mangalagiri received three BHISHM cubes through HLL Lifecare Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of Govt. of India. The Disaster Management Cell is assisting in further training, manpower support, and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The success of this Aarogya Maitri Project depends on close cohesion and cooperation among all government stakeholders/law enforcement agencies involved in disaster management from state and district administrative services, police services, fire services, and health and emergency response services.

“BHISHM symbolizes India's dedication to timely and efficient life-saving efforts during emergencies,”- said Prof. (Dr.) Ahanthem Santa Singh, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Mangalagiri. He thanked all the officials of state and central government who attended this event today and informed that SoPs shall be developed for using these cubes during disasters in consultation with all the stakeholders at the earliest.

These BHISHM Cubes contain 2 mother cubes, each comprising 36 mini cubes – totalling 72 mini cubes – in a sturdy mobile, detachable frame system. These are modular, tamper-proof cages made from waterproof, corrosion-resistant, military-grade materials for optimal space and access.

Each mother cube weighs approximately 1 ton, and each mini cube approximately 20 kg – ensuring easy transportation.

The BHISHM Cube system functions as a mobile medical unit acting as a Level III Trauma Centre. It can be deployed easily to even the remotest areas by road, air, helicopter, drone, or parachute.

These cubes are based on Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) protocols and best global practices.

Each mini cube contains crew survival gear, tents, food, water, generators, emergency lights, patient examination kits, documentation tools, triage systems, bleeding and airway management tools, wound and burn dressings, orthopaedic support, suction units, portable ultrasound and X-ray machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), antibiotics, IV fluids, ventilators, oxygen generators, mini labs, surgical kits, and autoclaves.

Technological highlights include the BHISHM App (installed on tablets) and RFID-enabled inventory systems. The app supports 180 languages, provides training videos, access to protocols, and helps in real-time resource tracking and smart logistics.

The technology is designed for ease-of-use, allowing even those with basic life support training to assist treatment teams effectively.

Other cutting-edge components include an AI-enabled portable X-ray machine (5-second image processing), a connected EEG/BP/SpO2 system for remote transmission, a transport ventilator, and a DRDO-developed energy-independent oxygen generator. The onboard lab can deliver 30+ test results within 10 minutes using validated kits. An operating theatre set-up is also included to support damage control surgeries.

A single BHISHM Cube can treat up to 200 casualties, including:

40 bullet injuries

25 major bleeds

25 major burns

20 traumatic surgeries

10 long bone fractures

10 maxillofacial injuries

10 spinal injuries

10 chest injuries

10 abdominal injuries

10 pelvic fractures

With the addition of three BHISHM cubes, AIIMS Mangalagiri is equipped to contribute in the event of any major disaster in the State of Andhra Pradesh and the surrounding regions.