IAF Tests India's First Portable Hospital 'BHISHM' For Airdrops In Agra

BHISHM Portable Hospital: To cater to medical emergencies anytime, anywhere, the Indian Air Force on Tuesday tested the BHISHM portable hospital cubes at Agra by airdropping them from the aircraft. The test came as a historic first for the Air Force, which will bolster its ability to deploy these cubes during times of emergencies. Bhishma Project has been jointly developed by the team of Health, Defense Ministry and National Security Council.

BHISHM portable cubes are a component of the larger initiative called "Project BHISHM" - Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri, said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This project aims to provide rapid response and comprehensive care, with the capacity to treat up to 200 casualties.

The portable hospital, gently lowered to the ground using a pair of parachutes from over 1500 feet above, swiftly took shape in a mere 12 minutes. This cube-shaped medical facility boasts waterproofing and a remarkably lightweight design. With the capacity to accommodate treatment for 200 individuals simultaneously, it marks a significant milestone as the first indigenous portable hospital. It can also be taken anywhere with the help of a drone.

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The Aid Cube is equipped with innovative tools to improve disaster response and medical support during emergencies. It uses technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to enable efficient coordination, real-time monitoring, and effective management of medical services in the field.

Consisting of 72 easily transportable components, the entire unit can be conveniently carried by hand, cycle, or even drone, offering unparalleled flexibility. In the event of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), where the need varies from basic aid to advanced medical and surgical care, the Aid Cube excels by being deployable within an impressive 12 minutes.

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These cubes are sturdy, waterproof, and lightweight, adaptable for different configurations, making them well-suited for various emergency scenarios. Whether through airdrops or ground transportation, the cube can be swiftly deployed anywhere, ensuring immediate response capability.

During the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held earlier this year on January 22 in Ayodhya, two Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM units were strategically deployed to enhance medical preparedness and response capabilities.