AIIMS Delhi Installs da Vinci Robot to Train in Robotic Surgery

• AIIMS becomes first govt. medical college to train on da Vinci.
• The SET facility now houses both da Vinci and Hugo robotic systems.
• Training to boost skills in urology, oncology, gynecology, and more.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has made a groundbreaking advancement in surgical training by incorporating the da Vinci Surgical Robot into its Skills, E-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) Facility. AIIMS is now the first government medical college in the nation to provide organized training on the advanced robotic platform.

The installation, enabled by a memorandum of understanding with Intuitive Surgical, provides AIIMS with a unique status: it is now the sole institution in India with two robotic systems exclusively for training.

In addition to the recently opened da Vinci, the SET facility also includes Medtronic’s Hugo robotic trainer, establishing a complete environment for practical education. Students, residents, nurses, and faculty now have the opportunity to engage with advanced surgical technology in a secure, simulated setting.

AIIMS Director Dr. M Srinivas characterized the advancement as a significant enhancement to India's surgical innovation environment. “Robotic surgery training that was once accessible only abroad can now be undertaken here at AIIMS,” he said. The SET center, featuring simulators, trainers, and manikins, enables students to practice and enhance their skills before entering surgical rooms.

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The da Vinci system is anticipated to aid various specialties, including urology, gynecology, general surgery, surgical oncology, and head and neck surgery, equipping future surgeons for the swiftly changing landscape of minimally invasive treatments.

Reflecting this perspective, Dr. Amlesh Seth, Head of Urology at AIIMS Delhi, stated that robotic surgery has revolutionized surgical methods by providing enhanced control, visibility, and accuracy. The new facility will enable seasoned physicians to guide novice surgeons and provide residents with early access to minimally invasive techniques in a secure, overseen environment.

This partnership is anticipated to be vital in advancing the use of robotic-assisted surgery in India, enhancing both surgical training and patient results over time.