AIIMS Delhi has marked a major milestone in medical education and surgical innovation by installing a state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, e-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) facility. Provided by Intuitive Surgical under a memorandum of understanding, the advanced system will be dedicated to training students and professionals in robotic-assisted surgery.
With this, AIIMS Delhi has become the only institution in India to house two surgical robots exclusively for training. The SET facility already features a Hugo training robot, provided by Medtronics, and now the addition of the da Vinci system doubles opportunities for aspiring surgeons to practice on world-class technology.
A Leap Forward in Medical Training
For years, robotic-assisted surgery was seen as futuristic, often available only in select private hospitals or abroad. Now, AIIMS Delhi has brought this cutting-edge technology into a public institution, making training accessible to a larger pool of students and doctors.
The new system will allow surgeons, residents, and care teams to gain hands-on experience in robotic-assisted procedures across multiple specialities—urology, gynaecology, general surgery, surgical oncology, head and neck surgery, and more.
The SET facility itself has already become a hub for learning, with trainees and faculty from AIIMS and other institutions using its advanced manikins and simulators. The addition of the da Vinci robot ensures that students, nurses, healthcare professionals, and faculty can now practice robotic surgery in stress-free, controlled sessions before entering operating theatres.
Why It Matters for India
AIIMS highlighted that this collaboration will play a vital role in advancing the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in India. For a country with a rapidly growing population and complex healthcare challenges, robotic surgery offers clear benefits—greater precision, reduced recovery time, and fewer complications for patients.
“India’s demand for precision-driven technologies like robotic-assisted surgery is only going to grow,” said AIIMS Director Dr M. Srinivas. “By equipping surgeons with these skills, this training centre will not only improve surgical precision but also elevate patient care across the country.”
Dr Srinivas also pointed out how the initiative breaks barriers of cost and geography. “Earlier, surgeons had to travel abroad and pay large sums of money to get trained on such advanced systems. Now, this training is available within our own institution.”
Shaping the Next Generation of Surgeons
For young doctors and medical residents, the installation is more than a new machine—it is a doorway to confidence and competence. Exposure to robotic-assisted techniques early in their careers gives them the ability to master minimally invasive procedures and meet rising patient expectations.
Dr Amlesh Seth, professor and head of the urology department at AIIMS, explained, “Robotic surgery has transformed the way we operate by enhancing precision, control, and visibility. This training centre will allow experienced surgeons at AIIMS to mentor and guide the next generation. It gives residents the opportunity to practise in a safe and controlled environment before they move to independent practice. This strengthens their foundation and ensures patient safety.”
The programme also reflects a shift in medical education philosophy—from textbook learning to technology-enabled, simulation-based training that prepares doctors for the realities of modern operating rooms.
Support from Global Partners
Rohitt Mahajan, vice-president and general manager of Intuitive India, emphasised that the company would provide full support to ensure the effective utilisation of the system. Collaborations like these, experts believe, are key to accelerating the spread of robotic surgery across India’s healthcare landscape.
A New Era for AIIMS Delhi
By adding the da Vinci robot, AIIMS Delhi has reinforced its reputation as a pioneer in medical training and innovation. It is not just about machines, but about giving Indian surgeons the tools and training to meet global standards.
For patients, the long-term outcome is hopeful: better surgical results, faster recovery, and greater access to minimally invasive care. For students, it is a chance to learn in an environment that mirrors the most advanced surgical centres in the world.
In many ways, the move reflects India’s broader journey in healthcare—from catching up with the world to setting new standards of its own.
As Dr Srinivas summed it up, “Every surgeon trained here will carry this expertise into hospitals across the country. This is how technology can bridge the gap between aspiration and reality, and ultimately improve patient care at scale.”
Also read: Educate Girls Wins Asia’s Most Prestigious Social Impact Prize