India Unveils Aarogya Maitri Cube, World's First Airlifted Disaster Hospital

The world's first disaster hospital can be airlifted and assembled into 72 cubes. Each cube holds essential medical equipment and supplies, offering crucial help to as many as 200 survivors during natural disasters or emergencies.

India has introduced the world's first disaster hospital, capable of being airlifted and packed into 72 cubes. Known as the 'Aarogya Maitri Cube,' this innovative project is part of the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri (BHISHM). It has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionise disaster relief efforts.

The 'Aarogya Maitri Cube' project, initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is designed to provide essential medical facilities in crises, including natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

It encompasses three frames, with each frame accommodating 12 mini-cubes. In total, 36 mini cubes are packed with virtually everything necessary for the survival of 100 individuals for 48 hours.

The design of this disaster hospital allows for the connection of two cages, named 'master cube one' and 'master cube two,' resulting in a total of 72 cubes. This integrated configuration can provide emergency care for up to 200 survivors, offering damage control capabilities in the face of adversity.

These cubes are equipped to handle a range of severe injuries, including 40 bullet wounds, 25 significant bleeding cases, 25 major burns, approximately 10 head injuries, long limb fractures, spinal injuries, chest injuries, and spinal fractures.

The project, publicly launched at the MedTech Expo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, garnered international attention when demonstrated to Myanmar officials in July. India has already donated two 'Aarogya Maitri Cubes' to Myanmar as a goodwill gesture, and one more is being prepared for donation to Sri Lanka.

HLL Life Care serves as the government's nodal agency for sourcing the 'Aarogya Maitri Cube,' while multiple sellers are carrying out manufacturing due to the diverse range of products included in the cubes.

The development of this disaster relief solution began in February 2022 when the central government tasked the defence ministry with creating an original and innovative concept.

Air Vice Marshal Tanmoy Roy, head of the BHISHM task force, emphasised the importance of creating a product that could support survivors until they receive professional medical help.

The cost of producing 72 cube boxes is less than INR 2.5 Cr, significantly more cost-effective than foreign alternatives.

Each cube is designed to weigh less than 20kg, allowing for easy manual transport over short distances of up to one kilometre.

When two cubes are combined, they form a primary care setup capable of performing life-saving surgeries. The hospital becomes operational within one hour of arriving at a disaster location, with the operation theatre ready for use within 10 minutes of positioning.

The cubes are equipped with a tablet-based application that facilitates the operation of all 72 cubes, making it user-friendly even in challenging conditions.

The contents of the cubes are extensive, such as advanced surgical equipment, a portable generator, solar panels, a refrigerator, a ventilator, ultrasound machines, digital imaging radiography equipment, defibrillators, high-mounted OT lights, stretchers, modern surgical devices, portable laboratories, and more.

This versatile solution can be tailored to meet specific needs, making it suitable for various scenarios, from natural disasters to war zones.

It can significantly enhance public health management, particularly in regions with challenging landscapes, high elevations, or epidemics.