J J Hospital Performs 101 Free Robotic Surgeries in 83 Days – A Game Changer in Public Healthcare

In a landmark achievement for public healthcare, Mumbai’s Sir J J Hospital, one of Maharashtra’s premier government-run medical institutions, has successfully completed 101 robotic-assisted surgeries in just 83 days. Launched in April 2025, this pioneering program provides advanced, high-cost surgical procedures free of charge to low and middle-income patients, offering a lifeline to those who could not otherwise afford such care. By integrating cutting-edge robotic technology into the public health system, JJ Hospital sets a new standard for equitable access to modern medical care in India.

Robotic surgery, typically reserved for elite private hospitals, comes with a steep price tag, ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh per procedure, with some complex cases costing up to ₹5 lakh. For many low- and middle-income patients, these costs are prohibitive, limiting access to advanced treatments. J J Hospital’s initiative eliminates this financial barrier, delivering these sophisticated procedures at no cost. This program not only addresses healthcare disparities but also demonstrates the potential for government hospitals to adopt state-of-the-art technology to serve the masses.

The initiative aligns with India’s growing emphasis on improving public healthcare infrastructure. By offering robotic surgeries free of charge, JJ Hospital ensures that patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including rural areas, can benefit from minimally invasive techniques that reduce complications and accelerate recovery.

At the heart of this transformative program is a ₹32 crore robotic surgical system, installed at J J Hospital under the aegis of the Department of Medical Education. While the specific brand of the system is not disclosed, it is designed to perform complex procedures with unparalleled precision. The technology enables surgeons to operate through small incisions using robotic arms, guided by 3D magnified visualization and enhanced flexibility. This results in several patient benefits:

• Smaller Incisions: Reduces scarring and trauma to surrounding tissues.

• Minimal Blood Loss: Enhances safety during complex surgeries.

• Reduced Post-Operative Pain: Lowers the need for pain management.

• Faster Recovery: Allows patients to return to normal activities sooner.

• Greater Precision: Improves outcomes in delicate and complex procedures.

Dr. Ajay Bhandarwar, Dean of J J Hospital, emphasizes that the robotic system’s precision and advanced capabilities have revolutionized surgical care at the facility, making it a game-changer for public healthcare.

The robotic surgery program kicked off on April 9, 2025, with a successful inguinal hernia repair performed on a 37-year-old male patient. This marked the beginning of a rapid expansion of robotic procedures at the hospital. By July 2025, just 83 days later, the hospital completed its 101st surgery: a hernia repair for a 27-year-old farmer from Pune. This milestone underscores the program’s ability to serve not only urban Mumbai residents but also patients from rural Maharashtra, broadening access to advanced care.

Under the leadership of the General Surgery Department, J J Hospital has utilized the robotic system to perform a wide range of procedures, demonstrating its versatility and the skill of its surgical team. The procedures completed include:

• Hernia Repairs: Inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias, addressing common yet debilitating conditions.

• Cholecystectomy: Gallbladder removal, a frequent procedure for gallstone-related issues.

• Pancreatic Surgeries: Complex interventions for pancreatic conditions, requiring high precision.

• Complex Tumor Removals: Excision of tumors in challenging anatomical locations.

A standout case involved a 51-year-old resident of Lower Parel diagnosed with a porcelain gallbladder, a rare and potentially cancerous condition characterized by calcification of the gallbladder wall. The robotic system’s precision allowed surgeons to navigate dense adhesions—scar tissue that can complicate surgery with minimal risk, ensuring a safe and successful outcome. This case highlights the technology’s ability to handle high-risk conditions that would otherwise pose significant challenges in traditional surgery.

J J Hospital is actively working to expand the robotic surgery program to additional medical specialties, ensuring even more patients can benefit from this technology. Plans are underway to introduce robotic-assisted procedures in the following areas:

• Gastroenterology: Liver and biliary surgeries to address conditions like liver tumors or bile duct obstructions.

• Urology: Kidney, bladder, and prostate surgeries, including prostatectomies for cancer treatment.

• Gynecology: Uterine surgeries, such as hysterectomies, for conditions like fibroids or endometrial cancer.

• Breast Surgery: Procedures for breast tumors, enhancing precision in cancer care.

To support this expansion, the hospital is training surgeons across these departments to master the robotic system, ensuring its benefits reach a wider patient population. This strategic approach positions J J Hospital as a leader in integrating advanced technology into public healthcare.

The first 500 robotic surgeries at JJ Hospital are fully funded by the company that supplied the robotic system, a significant contribution that eliminates costs for patients during the program’s initial phase. To ensure the program’s sustainability beyond these 500 procedures, the hospital has submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra government to include robotic surgeries under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY), a state health insurance scheme designed to provide free medical care to low-income families. If approved, this integration would make free robotic surgeries a permanent feature of J J Hospital’s offerings, creating a scalable model for other public hospitals in India.

J J Hospital’s robotic surgery program follows in the footsteps of BMC-run KEM Hospital in Parel, which became the first public hospital in Mumbai to acquire a robotic system for knee replacement surgeries through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Together, these institutions are redefining the role of public hospitals in delivering cutting-edge care.

This initiative serves as a powerful example of how innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to equity can reshape healthcare delivery, ensuring that life-changing medical advancements are within reach for all.

(Rh/Eth/VK/TL)