In Agra, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a successful trial of its portable medical facility BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri) by air-dropping modular units from a height of 1000 feet at the Malpura drop zone.
This innovative facility is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments aimed at bolstering disaster response and medical assistance during crises. It integrates cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analysis to facilitate seamless coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services. The indigenous BHISHM software, embedded within a tablet, enables swift item localization and rapid deployment.
Weighing approximately 720 kg, the BHISHM portable hospital descended to the ground aided by two parachutes deployed from an AN-32 aircraft. Following the successful trial, this portable medical facility can now be swiftly deployed to remote locations to provide urgent medical aid during emergencies or natural disasters. Medical treatment can be initiated within a mere eight minutes either via air landing or helicopter transport, proving particularly advantageous in remote areas such as Ladakh and Kargil.
The arrival of the BHISHM portable hospital via specially designed parachutes from ADRDE Agra elicited excitement among Air Force officials and other stakeholders, who greeted its landing with resounding applause.
The utilization of two parachutes to land the BHISHM marks a historic achievement for the Air Force. Under the BHISHM project, this indigenous portable hospital can now be deployed to inaccessible regions across the country during times of crisis or emergency. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it is waterproof, solar-powered, and battery-operated, with the capacity to simultaneously treat up to 200 casualties.
Comprising 36 air-cubes, the BHISHM facility, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore, is equipped with essential amenities including an operating theater, ventilator, x-ray machine, and facilities for conducting blood tests. Additionally, it offers treatment for gunshot wounds, burns, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, chest injuries, fractures, and severe wounds.
Each of the 36 boxes within the BHISHM unit is labeled with QR codes indicating their expiration dates. During emergencies, even civilians can access these boxes to retrieve necessary medications and equipment. Furthermore, the facility includes a small generator and two stretchers for transporting individuals. The boxes contain a variety of medical supplies, equipment, and food items.
Notably, a BHISHM unit was deployed during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, accompanied by a team of medical professionals. This portable hospital garnered attention during the G-20 summit at Pragati Maidan in Delhi in September 2023.