AIIMS Delhi Becomes First Government Institution To Introduce Da Vinci Surgical Robot For Training

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, today marked a historic milestone in surgical education with the inauguration of the advanced da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, Education and Training (SET) facility. This installation, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intuitive Surgical, makes AIIMS the first government medical institution in India to offer dedicated robotic surgery training using the state-of-the-art da Vinci platform.

With this addition, the AIIMS SET facility is now uniquely equipped with two cutting-edge robotic training systems — the newly installed da Vinci robot and the existing Hugo robotic trainer by Medtronic. This makes it the only skills training centre in the country with dual robotic platforms, aimed at delivering hands-on, high-quality robotic surgical education.

The SET facility, frequented by students, residents, nurses, and faculty from AIIMS and other institutions, offers an immersive learning environment with simulators, manikins, and trainers. It provides a risk-free and supervised space for honing surgical skills before clinical application.

Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, said on the occasion, “This facility reinforces AIIMS’s leadership in surgical innovation and education. Robotic-assisted surgery is emerging as a game-changer in India’s healthcare landscape. Providing in-house access to advanced robotic training will enable surgeons to enhance surgical precision, reduce patient recovery times, and elevate overall care standards. Earlier, such training necessitated costly overseas travel — today, AIIMS is proud to offer this opportunity domestically.”

The da Vinci Surgical Robot will enhance training in several key specialities, including urology, gynaecology, general surgery, surgical oncology, and head and neck surgery. Dr. Amlesh Seth, Professor and Head of the Department of Urology at AIIMS, noted, “Robotic surgery has revolutionised surgical practice by offering unparalleled precision, control, and visibility. This centre will empower experienced surgeons to mentor future generations, strengthening India’s surgical workforce and ensuring safer patient outcomes.”

Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager, Intuitive Surgical (India), assured ongoing support to maximise the system’s impact on surgical education.

The advanced training facility is expected to accelerate the adoption of robotic-assisted techniques across India, providing young surgeons early exposure to minimally invasive surgery, boosting confidence, and reinforcing patient safety through rigorous skill development, said an official from the company.