 "What makes it a game-changer? – Firstpost")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv, the first by an Indian leader since Ukraine gained independence, is highly symbolic. This visit follows his recent trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin — a move that was scrutinised by Ukraine and its allies.
While India has called for a ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, it has avoided directly condemning Russia, balancing its longstanding ties with Moscow and its strategic interests in maintaining relations with both Russia and the West.
During his time in Kyiv, PM Modi will pay tribute to Ukraine’s struggle for independence by visiting the multimedia Martyrologist at the Ukraine National Museum.
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Here, he will honour the memory of Ukrainian children whose lives were cut short by the ongoing conflict. The museum’s exhibitions shed light on Ukraine’s heroic fight for freedom, independence, and cultural identity amidst one of the most challenging periods in its history.
Additionally, Modi visited the Mahatma Gandhi statue at AV Fomin Botanical Garden, a symbol of peace and non-violence which was unveiled in 2020 on Gandhi’s 151st birth anniversary.
One of the key highlights of Prime Minister Modi’s visit is the presentation of the BHISHM Cube – a cutting-edge mobile hospital designed for disaster management and emergency medical response.
What are the features of the BHISHM Cube?
The BHISHM Cube is an advanced mobile hospital unit developed under the “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri. This project, announced in February 2022, is meant to highlight India’s commitment to providing rapid medical aid in disaster-stricken areas, reflecting the country’s growing role in global humanitarian efforts.
The BHISHM Cube is a marvel of modern medical engineering, tailored to handle up to 200 casualties with a focus on rapid response and comprehensive care. The unit, which weighs 720 kilograms, is composed of 72 easily transportable components.
These components can be carried by hand, cycle, or drone, offering unmatched flexibility in deployment. The cube’s innovative design allows it to be operational within just 12 minutes of deployment, a critical feature in emergencies where every second counts.
Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including an operation theatre, X-ray machines, ventilators, and facilities for treating various injuries, the BHISHM Cube is a comprehensive solution for disaster management.
Its robust, waterproof design ensures durability in diverse environments, making it suitable for a wide range of emergency scenarios, from airdrops to ground transportation.
What makes the BHISHM Cube a game-changer?
The BHISHM Cube integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, facilitating real-time monitoring, effective coordination, and efficient management of medical services on the field.
This advanced technology allows for precise tracking of medical supplies, including their usage and expiry, ensuring that the unit is always ready for subsequent deployments. The incorporation of RFID-tagged equipment further enhances the cube’s operational efficiency, enabling quick repacking and redeployment.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested the deployment of the BHISHM Cube in May 2024 at Agra’s Malpura dropping zone. The cube was air-dropped from a height of 1,500 feet using specially designed parachutes developed by the Agra-based Air Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).
The hospital was fully operational within 12 minutes of landing, showcasing its effectiveness in rapid response scenarios.
Priced at approximately Rs 1.50 crore, as per an IAF official quoted by India Today, each unit is designed for sustainability and operational efficiency, incorporating solar energy and batteries. This ensures that the cube can be deployed in diverse environments without relying on external power sources, further enhancing its utility in disaster-hit regions.
The project aligns with India’s broader ‘Aarogya Maitri’ initiative, announced by PM Modi at the Global South Summit in January 2023. Under this initiative, India aims to provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
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The cube’s utility was recently demonstrated during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. During this event, the BHISHM Cube played a pivotal role in ensuring medical readiness, further solidifying its importance as a life-saving tool in critical situations.
With inputs from agencies
