BHISHM Cubes: An in-depth look into the gift from PM Modi to Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during presentation of BHISHM cube in Kyiv on August 23 (Image - PM's X handle)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 23, making this the first visit by an Indian PM to the war-ravaged Eastern European nation since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1992.

During the meeting, where the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and shared perspectives on enhancing India-Ukraine cooperation in a host of sectors spanning across economy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technology, Modi also gifted the Ukraine government four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to the Government of Ukraine today.

So what are BHISHM Cubes? Let’s take a deep dive:

BHISHM Cubes contain essential medicines and equipment designed to provide medical care for emergency situations. Each BHISHM Cube consists of medicines and equipment for the first line of care for all kinds of injuries and medical situations. It also includes surgical equipment for a basic Operation Room that can manage 10-15 basic surgeries per day.

“The Cubes will help in expeditious treatment of the injured and contribute to saving precious lives,” according to a government statement released after the programme. The gesture underscores India’s continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Each BHISHM Cube has the capacity to handle about 200 cases of diverse nature in emergency situations such as trauma, bleeding, burns, fractures, etc. It can also generate its own power and oxygen in limited amounts. A team of experts from India has been deployed to provide initial training to the Ukrainian side to operate the Cube.