AIIMS Delhi installs da Vinci robot to train doctors in robotic surgery

Surgeons will train in robotic techniques across urology, gynaecology and general surgery, building skills for faster recovery and safer patient care.

Published on: Sep 13, 2025, 03:23:00 IST

By Ridhima Gupta

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The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has installed a da Vinci Surgical Robot at its skills, e-learning and telemedicine (SET) facility to train doctors in robotic-assisted surgery, the institute said in a statement. This marks the first installation of Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system for training at a government medical college in India.

Doctors, residents and nurses will now gain hands-on exposure to robotic-assisted surgery without having to travel abroad for costly training programmes. (HT Photo)

AIIMS officials said this is the second robotic platform at the SET facility, making AIIMS the only centre in the country with two robots dedicated exclusively to training. The facility is already used by medical students, residents, nurses, and faculty for practice sessions on simulators and mannequins.To be sure, older models of da Vinci robots cost ₹8–20 crore, excluding annual service fees.

“With this training centre, AIIMS Delhi is reinforcing its leadership in advancing surgical education and innovation. The demand for precision-driven technologies like robotic-assisted surgery is growing in India. By equipping surgeons for performing surgeries on advanced robotic technologies, this centre will help improve surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and elevate patient care across the country,” said AIIMS Director Dr M Srinivas. He added that in the past, surgeons had to travel abroad and pay large sums of money to access such training, which could now be provided within the institution.

According to officials, the da Vinci system will allow trainees to gain exposure across specialities, including urology, gynaecology, general surgery, oncology, and head and neck surgery.

“Robotic surgery has transformed the way we perform surgeries by enhancing precision, control, and visibility. This training centre will allow experienced surgeons at AIIMS to mentor and guide the next generation of robotic surgeons,” said Dr Amlesh Seth, professor and head, Department of Urology, AIIMS Delhi. He added that residents would benefit from early exposure to advanced minimally invasive techniques, gaining confidence before entering independent practice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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