AIIMS Delhi boosts robotic-surgery training with da Vinci system

AIIMS Delhi has expanded its robotic surgery training program with the installation of a da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, E-learning, and Telemedicine (SET) facility.

The system, provided by Intuitive Surgical under a memorandum of understanding, is designed to give medical students and healthcare professionals practical exposure to advanced surgical techniques.

With this addition, AIIMS becomes the only institution in the country to operate two surgical robots solely for training.

The SET center already uses a Hugo training robot from Medtronic and is regularly accessed by faculty, residents, nurses, and trainees from AIIMS and other institutes.

The facility offers simulated practice through manikins and models, providing a controlled and stress-free environment.

Officials said the new system will open up training opportunities in specialties such as urology, gynecology, oncology, general surgery, and head and neck surgery.

They noted that the initiative will boost robotic-surgery education in India and allow professionals to gain expertise without having to travel overseas.

Dr M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the growing demand for precision-driven surgical technologies.

“The training center will enable surgeons to perform procedures with greater accuracy, reduce patient recovery time, and elevate overall standards of care,” he said.

Dr Amlesh Seth, Head of Urology at AIIMS, underlined the importance of early exposure for young doctors.

“Robotic surgery has transformed operative techniques by offering better control, visibility, and precision. The new center will allow experienced doctors to mentor younger surgeons and give residents early exposure to minimally invasive methods in a safe, supervised setting,” he said.

Rohitt Mahajan, vice president and general manager at Intuitive India, added that the company would continue to support AIIMS in maximizing the system’s potential.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen robotic-assisted surgery in India, contributing to both improved surgical education and patient outcomes.