Strengthening ties between India and the Caribbean, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday handed over 10 Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) Cubes to Jamaica. The ceremony was attended by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Health Minister Christopher Tufton and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith.
The BHISHM Cubes are part of India’s Aarogya Maitri programme, aimed at offering advanced, locally developed medical support to partner countries in the Global South.
More than just a medical handover
Speaking at the event, Jaishankar said the handover reflects the growing partnership between India and Jamaica, going beyond just medical assistance.
He noted that the mobile hospital units are designed for quick deployment and will help Jamaica respond better to disasters and emergencies. Calling it a “statement of friendship,” he said the initiative highlights India’s focus on innovation and preparedness.
Formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica, in the presence of PM @AndrewHolnessJM, Health Minister @christufton and FM @kaminajsmith
The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and… pic.twitter.com/NNie0xdz77
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 4, 2026
Prime Minister Holness welcomed the support, saying the units would strengthen Jamaica’s response to climate-related disasters and public health challenges.
What are BHISHM Cubes?
The BHISHM Cube is a portable, modular medical system developed in India for use in difficult conditions.
Each unit can be set up in under 12 minutes and is equipped to handle emergency care, including trauma, basic surgery, diagnostics and patient stabilisation. The cubes are lightweight, waterproof and easy to transport, making them suitable for varied terrain and crisis situations.
The handover is part of Jaishankar’s nine-day visit to the Caribbean, which also includes stops in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
During his visit to Jamaica, he also inaugurated a digital scoreboard at Sabina Park, underlining the shared cricketing ties between the two countries. He referred to legends like Chris Gayle and Courtney Walsh as cultural links familiar to Indian fans.
Jaishankar also met members of the Indian diaspora in Kingston, reaffirming India’s engagement with communities of Indian origin in the region.
