In a groundbreaking collaboration, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has partnered with Intuitive, a global leader in minimally invasive care and robotic-assisted surgery, to establish an advanced training centre for robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). This partnership aims to equip surgeons with cutting-edge skills and technology to advance the use of robotic-assisted surgeries across specialities such as urology, gynaecology, and general surgery.

Prof. V.K. Bansal from AIIMS Delhi highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting, “We have partnered with Intuitive to train specialists in gynaecology, general surgery, and other fields, both at AIIMS and other hospitals, so they can gain proficiency in robotic-assisted surgeries. The three robotic systems being used are Mantra, Medtronics, and da Vinci.”

The AIIMS da Vinci RAS training centre will focus on providing state-of-the-art training to surgeons and care teams, helping to bridge the skills gap and promote the adoption of advanced surgical techniques in India. This industry-academia collaboration underscores the rising importance of robotic-assisted surgery in the country’s healthcare landscape, particularly as disease burdens like cancer and urologic and gynecologic conditions requiring soft tissue surgery increase.

Gary S. Guthart, CEO of Intuitive, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "This MoU with AIIMS represents a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing surgical training and improving patient outcomes. We believe the AIIMS da Vinci RAS training centre will serve as a beacon of excellence for developing the next generation of skilled surgeons."

AIIMS Director Dr. Srinivas echoed similar sentiments, saying, "With the growing demand for robotic-assisted surgeries in India, there is an urgent need for comprehensive training. The da Vinci system provides enhanced precision, flexibility, and control, leading to improved surgical accuracy and better patient outcomes. AIIMS, being an early adopter of robotic surgery, has a wealth of experienced surgeons who will mentor new surgeons across the country."

Intuitive’s commitment to surgeon training extends beyond initial sessions, providing continuous support and professional development for surgeons and care teams throughout their careers. To date, over 850 surgeons in India have been trained on the da Vinci robotic system, contributing to the widespread adoption of this advanced technology. Intuitive has already established three training centres across India, further cementing its role in transforming the future of surgical care in the country.

This collaboration between AIIMS and Intuitive marks a major advancement in the field of robotic-assisted surgery in India, promising to elevate the standards of surgical training and patient care nationwide.