Context

Indian Air Force tests Arogya Maitri Sahayata Cube, world’s first air-lifted portable hospital,in Agra.

Arogya Maitri Sahayata Cube: World’s First Portable Hospital 

• Built under Project BHISHM – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri, Aarogya Maitri Cubes is the world’s first disaster hospital that can be airlifted, packed in 72 cubes.
• Developed by: HLL Life Care,the government’s designated agency for sourcing the kit, and manufactured by multiple sellers collaborating to provide a diverse range of essential medical products, 
  • This project was initiated in 2022 through the Ministry of Defence.
• Purpose: Modular trauma management and support system for humanitarian efforts and emergency response.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

• Features Components: 
  • 72 detachable mini-cubes, each with specialized stations.
  • Equipment Included: Mini-ICU ,Operation theatre ,Cooking station Food and water supplies ,Electricity generator ,Blood testing equipment,X-ray machine
  • Medical Capabilities: Handles gunshots, burns, head, spinal cord, and chest injuries Minor surgeries, fractures, and major bleeding Treats over 200 patients.
    • AI Integration : It integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
  • Deployment: Lightweight and portable, Deployable by airdrop or ground transportation & Operational within 12 minutes of deployment.
    • Transport Methods: Air, land, sea 
  • Cost: Approximately Rs 1.5 crore per unit 
  • Design Structure: 
    • 72 cubes combined into a special cage, 
      • Each cage accommodates 36 mini-cubes which includes three frames, each accommodating 12 mini-cubes. 
      • The cage can fit in 36 mini-cubes.
    • Capacity: The design allows joining two cages master cube one and master cube two, including 72 cubes in total with damage control capabilities for survival for a period of 48 hours for 200 survivors.
    • Each Master Cube holds up to 200 survivors
    • Weight: Each cube weighs less than 20 kg & Each Master Cube’s total weight is under 750 kg 
    • Technology: Tablet-based application to operate all 72 cubes
  • Development and Unveiling
    • Initiation: Directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2020 Task Force led by Air Vice Marshal Tanmoy Roy 
    • Objective: Create a versatile, mobile medical facility for natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and conflicts 
    • First Unveiled: 
      • Med Tech Expo, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, July 2023.
      • It was unveiled on 2nd December 2023 in Gurugram.
      • During the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024 in Ayodhya, two Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM units were strategically deployed.