Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Mullanpur, Punjab, has successfully performed over 100 robotic surgeries free of cost within six months of launching the facility. This milestone makes it the only government hospital in Punjab to achieve such a feat.
Free robotic surgeries for patients
The hospital, a unit of Tata Memorial Centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, initially committed to providing robotic surgeries free of charge to the first 80 patients. However, it exceeded that target by completing 100 successful procedures, all at no additional cost to the patients.
Dr Ashish Gulia, Director of HBCHRC, stated, "At the time of launch, we had committed to providing robotic surgeries free of cost to the first 80 patients. We are proud to share that not only did we complete 100 successful robotic surgeries in less than six months, but all 100 patients received the treatment at no additional cost."
Advanced technology at lower cost
The robotic surgery facility at the New Chandigarh campus is equipped with advanced medical technology. Dr Gulia added that the hospital is now offering treatment at a comparatively lower cost than other private healthcare institutions.
The plan for the robotic surgery facility was announced by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria in August last year during the Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave.
Surgeon remains in control
Dr Vikram Singh, head of the Department of Oncosurgery, and Oncosurgeon Dr Arvind Guru clarified that robotic surgery does not replace the surgeon. "The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure and all critical decisions are made by the operating surgeon," they explained.
Robotic surgery is available only at a limited number of hospitals across North India, making this achievement significant for patients in the region.
