KGMU Plans to Introduce High Precision Robotic Surgeries

King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India is set to bring in precision in surgical procedures through the introduction of robotics. The University purchased three 'Make In India' SSI Mantra robotic systems with the aim of improving the success rate of the surgeries at an affordable price.

Even though robotic surgeries are available in many hospitals, procuring three "SSI Mantra" robotic systems will reduce the overall expenditure of medical care without compromising the quality and precision of surgeries. Hence, robotic surgeries are expected to be a lot more affordable in KGMU than in other nearby hospitals.

Out of the three robotic systems, one is funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR) whereas the other two comes under the public-private partnership (PPP). The robotic systems obtained under public-private partnership is planned to be installed at Shadabti hospital.

The initiative was announced to the public by Prof. Abhinav Arun Sonkar, head of the surgery department in King George's Medical University, Lucknow on Monday.

'Make in India' initiative which was launched worldwide in September 2014 as a part of India's renewed focus on manufacturing has produced numerous innovations with the aim to promote the country as a global manufacturing destination. One of the notable products from this initiative is the "SSI Mantra" surgical robot which was developed by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Sudhir Srivastava. He was able to revolutionize the Indian medical sector through his pioneering works in robotic procedures. Compared to the surgical robots developed in other developed nations, SSI Mantra provides highly precise robotic system at a much affordable cost.

Robotic surgeries will initially be performed for simple procedures like gallbladder stone removal which will further be incorporated into complex procedures like the surgeries involving torso, stomach, thoracic region, liver and urological conditions. As the time progresses, it is expected that such complex surgeries will become more cost effective for the common folks, thereby, increasing the use of robotics in healthcare.

The major advantage of robotic surgery is that many anatomical regions that are quite difficult to access through conventional methods could be accessed in a convenient manner with the help of the high precision and accuracy it provides. Moreover, it provides several benefits such as enhanced visualization, increased range of motion and improved precision to surgeons.

References

1. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Make in India Initiative. Accessed February 11, 2025. https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/attach/Make_in_India_Initiative.pdf.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)