What Is BHISHM Cube? Portable Medical Units That PM Modi Gifted To Maldives
PM Modi's Maldives visit, his third, included a ceremonial welcome for the 60th Independence Day. He gifted BHISHM medical cubes, portable emergency units, enhancing Maldives' medical response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Velana International Airport earlier in the day, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, complete with traditional music and chants of “Vande Mataram.”
The Prime Minister is visiting the Maldives as the Guest of Honour at the island nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. This marks his third visit to the Maldives and notably, the first visit by any head of state or government during President Muizzu’s tenure.
PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening cultural and strategic ties with the Maldives as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. As part of this commitment, the Prime Minister also gifted two BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) medical cubes to the Maldivian government, enhancing the country’s emergency medical response capacity.
What Are BHISHM Cubes?
The BHISHM Cubes are compact, portable medical units developed to deliver first-line care in emergencies. BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri, embodying India’s spirit of cooperation and friendship. These self-contained units are equipped to address a wide range of medical emergencies, making them particularly valuable in conflict zones and disaster-hit regions.
A Self-Contained Medical Facility
Each BHISHM Cube functions as a miniature medical facility, stocked with essential medicines, trauma care supplies, and surgical tools.
It is capable of performing 10–15 surgeries per day, from minor procedures to complex life-saving operations.
A single unit can handle around 200 medical cases, including trauma, bleeding, burns, and fractures, ensuring timely intervention where traditional facilities are unavailable or overwhelmed.
Built for Challenging Environments
The BHISHM Cubes are designed to operate independently, even under extreme conditions. They are equipped to generate their own power and produce limited amounts of oxygen, enabling uninterrupted medical care in remote or war-torn areas.
Dr. Anvita, Head Neck Sergeon explained the facilities available in the Operation theatre of BHISHM Cube.#PMModiMaldivesVisit 🇮🇳-🇲🇻 #BHISHMCube #Maldives@PMOIndia @MEAIndia @HCIMaldives @MIB_India @PIB_India @AkashvaniAIR pic.twitter.com/8RXx8waPbL
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 25, 2025
Last year, India had gifted BHISHM cubes to Ukraine, aimed at boosting its emergency medical care amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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