All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has added another milestone to its surgical training ecosystem by installing the advanced da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, e-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) facility. The move positions AIIMS as the only institution in the country with two robotic systems dedicated purely to training purposes.
The da Vinci robot, provided under a memorandum of understanding with Intuitive Surgicals, will complement the existing Hugo training robot from Medtronic, already operational at the SET centre. Together, they will expand opportunities for medical students, residents, nurses, and faculty to practise robotic-assisted procedures in a stress-free, simulated environment.
“This training centre reflects AIIMS Delhi’s leadership in advancing surgical education and innovation,” said Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi. He noted that precision-driven technologies like robotic-assisted surgery are in growing demand across India. “Earlier, surgeons had to travel abroad and spend heavily to acquire such training. Now, this world-class skill development is available within AIIMS,” he added.
The training modules will cover a wide range of specialities including urology, gynaecology, surgical oncology, head and neck surgery, and general surgery. Faculty members emphasised that the centre would not only enhance surgical accuracy and reduce recovery times for patients but also create a generation of surgeons proficient in cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Amlesh Seth, Head of Urology at AIIMS, underlined the importance of the new setup: “Robotic surgery enhances precision, control, and visibility. This centre will allow experienced surgeons to mentor young doctors and residents, giving them the confidence to perform complex surgeries safely.”
Rohitt Mahajan, Vice-President & General Manager of Intuitive India, assured continued support to maximise the system’s use, while AIIMS leaders highlighted that the collaboration will accelerate the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in India, particularly in government institutions where access to such advanced technology has been limited.
With this addition, AIIMS Delhi is not only strengthening its training capacity but also setting the stage for a future-ready surgical workforce capable of transforming patient care across the country.
