A live demonstration of the reciprocal telesurgery to be performed at Moradabad will be performed at National Robotics Surgery Conference to be held on November 29 and November 30 at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), informed Dr Raj Gajbhiye, Dean, GMCH, while speaking at the press conference held on Thursday. GMCH became the first public institution in Maharashtra to install a high-end robotic surgery system, valued at around Rs 40 crore in 2024. In just eighteen months, the unit has completed more than 350 complex procedures with a high success rate.

 

Dr Gajbhiye described the event as one of the year’s most significant academic gatherings in robotic surgery, bringing together leading practitioners from across India. Live surgeries will be transmitted from both GMCH and Moradabad using the SSI Mantra robotic platform, with procedures performed by Dr Gajbhiye himself. Four global robotic platforms will also stream live sessions, offering participants exposure to advanced techniques. Hands-on modules will form a key component of the conference, enabling surgeons to familiarise themselves with various systems. Dr Gajbhiye noted the rising demand for robotic surgery across departments such as cardiac surgery, urology, gynaecology, and other super-specialities. Owing to the heavy workload, GMCH has submitted a request for an additional unit. He highlighted that India’s SSI Innovations developed an advanced indigenous robot after the expiry of the global patent five years ago, creating a cost-effective “Made in India” alternative.

 

Addressing operational safety, Dr Gajbhiye stated that system errors are extremely rare, and a full surgical team remains on standby to take over instantly if required. Robotic procedures require only three small incisions, allow minimal blood loss, and enable discharge within two days. The strong results achieved at GMCH have prompted government hospitals nationwide to seek similar installations. On the progress of the upcoming cancer hospital, Dr Gajbhiye said that Rs 78 crore has been sanctioned, with Rs 27 crore already released. Construction is 70 per cent complete, and NMRDA is expected to provide an additional Rs 20 crore. The facility is projected to become operational soon. Dr Avinash Gawande, Medical Superintendent; Dr Bhupesh Tirpude, Conference Chair; Dr Gayatri Deshpande, Secretary; and Dr Hemant Bhanarkar were also present for the press conference.