AIIMS Delhi Introduces 'Da Vinci Surgical Robot': No Need to Go Abroad for Robotic Surgery Training

AIIMS Delhi has taken a major step forward in medical education by introducing the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, Education and Training (SET) Centre. This cutting-edge technology will now be used to train doctors, surgeons, and medical students in robotic-assisted surgery. For the first time, such an advanced robotic system has been made available exclusively for training purposes at a government medical college in India. Until now, doctors often had to travel abroad and spend large sums of money to access such training. With this development, AIIMS has opened a new chapter in the country's medical education, offering world-class robotic surgery training within India itself.

The Da Vinci robot has been made available at AIIMS Delhi through an agreement with Intuitive Surgicals. It complements the existing Hugo training robot from Medtronic, providing a broader range of platforms for learners. The facility will allow doctors, medical students, residents, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from across the country to practice robotic surgery in a stress-free, simulated environment. This includes the use of manikins, virtual simulators, and guided sessions. Through this advanced training infrastructure, participants will gain hands-on experience in various specialties such as urology, gynecology, oncology, general surgery, and head and neck surgery.

The primary goal of introducing robotic training at AIIMS is to familiarize future surgeons with precision-based technologies, helping them deliver safer, minimally invasive treatments with faster recovery and improved outcomes for patients. This move is being seen as a significant leap in modernizing India’s healthcare system and expanding the reach of robotic surgery across the country.

According to AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas, this training centre strengthens the institute’s leadership in surgical innovation and education. He emphasized the growing demand for robotic-assisted surgeries in India and highlighted how this facility will eliminate the need for costly overseas training. Similarly, Dr. Amlesh Seth, Head of the Urology Department, noted that robotic surgery has revolutionized the surgical process, offering better precision, control, and clarity. Experienced surgeons will now mentor new trainees, allowing them to gain practical knowledge of these advanced techniques from the outset of their careers.

The benefits of this initiative are twofold. While patients will receive safer and more advanced surgical care, students will gain confidence through early exposure to minimally invasive procedures, all within a safe learning environment. This combination is expected to improve both the quality of training and patient outcomes.

Until now, pursuing robotic surgery training abroad was the only option for many Indian doctors, often involving high expenses and logistical challenges. With the installation of the Da Vinci robot at AIIMS Delhi, this barrier has been removed. Training will now be accessible domestically, saving time and resources, and allowing a greater number of medical professionals to benefit. Experts believe that this bold move will redefine medical education in India and accelerate the integration of robotic surgery techniques nationwide.