New Delhi, September 15, 2025: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has installed an advanced da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, E-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) facility to train doctors, residents, faculty, and nurses in robotic-assisted surgery. This makes AIIMS the first government medical college in India to have two robotic systems dedicated solely to training.
AIIMS already had Medtronic’s Hugo robotic training platform at its SET facility. The addition of the da Vinci system, provided under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intuitive Surgical, will allow trainees to practice on simulators, mannequins, and trainers before performing live surgeries.
AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas said, “With this training centre, AIIMS Delhi is reinforcing its leadership in advancing surgical education and innovation. The demand for precision-driven technologies like robotic-assisted surgery is growing in India. By equipping surgeons for performing surgeries on advanced robotic technologies, this centre will help improve surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and elevate patient care across the country.”
Dr. Amlesh Seth, Professor and Head of Urology at AIIMS, added, “Robotic surgery has transformed the way we perform surgeries by enhancing precision, control, and visibility. This training centre will allow experienced surgeons at AIIMS to mentor and guide the next generation of robotic surgeons.”
The new training facility will support surgeons in urology, gynaecology, general surgery, oncology, and head-and-neck surgery. Trainees will receive structured exposure on robotic consoles, significantly improving their skills before entering operating theatres.
Officials highlighted that, until now, Indian surgical trainees often had to travel abroad for exposure to robotic platforms, which was expensive and limited in access. This facility eliminates that barrier and builds a local pipeline of trained robotic surgeons.
Older models of da Vinci robots cost between ₹8 crore and ₹20 crore, excluding annual maintenance charges, AIIMS officials said. The new installation reflects a major step toward making minimally invasive, precision-driven surgery more widely available in India.
The da Vinci Surgical Robot at AIIMS Delhi is installed specifically for training purposes, allowing doctors, residents, and nurses to gain hands-on experience before performing live surgeries. The facility not only serves AIIMS trainees but also welcomes participants from other medical institutions, ensuring broader access to advanced robotic surgery education across India.
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)