In a significant boost to surgical capabilities in central India, Nagpur's Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) is preparing to install its second advanced robotic surgery system. This expansion comes as the hospital celebrates remarkable success with its existing robotic technology, having completed more than 300 complex procedures since its installation.
Robotic Surgery Milestones at GMCH
Dr Raj Gajbhiye, Dean of GMCH Nagpur, confirmed the development during a press conference held in anticipation of RoboSurg'25 – the National Robotic Surgery Conference scheduled for November 29-30 at the hospital. GMCH Nagpur made history as the first government hospital in Maharashtra to introduce robotic surgery technology, though the initial procurement process spanned an extensive eight-year period.
"Once the first system became operational, the government recognized its immense value and accelerated similar installations at other medical colleges across the state," Dr Gajbhiye explained. "Subsequent setups were completed within just two months, demonstrating the administration's commitment to advancing medical technology."
Growing Demand Drives Expansion
The decision to pursue a second robotic system stems from increasing demand across multiple medical specialties. Departments including cardiovascular thoracic surgery, gynaecology, and urology have been actively utilizing the existing technology, creating the need for additional capacity.
Dr Gajbhiye revealed that a formal proposal has already been submitted for the new system, which will be housed in the Super Speciality Hospital. "As an imported technology, the robotic system represents a significant investment, but we are optimistic about securing approval soon given our proven track record," he stated.
RoboSurg'25: Showcasing Medical Innovation
The upcoming National Robotic Surgery Conference promises to be a landmark event in India's medical technology calendar. The conference will feature:
- Live surgical demonstrations by leading robotic surgeons
- Hands-on training modules for medical professionals
- Academic sessions covering the latest advancements
- A groundbreaking reciprocal telesurgery demonstration
The telesurgery demonstration represents a particularly innovative aspect of the event. In a first-of-its-kind procedure in India, surgeons will operate on a patient at GMCH Nagpur from Moradabad while simultaneously performing surgery on a Moradabad patient from Nagpur. Both groundbreaking procedures will be conducted by Dr Gajbhiye himself, showcasing the potential of remote surgical technology.
This expansion of robotic surgery capabilities at GMCH Nagpur signals a new era of medical excellence in the region, promising enhanced precision, reduced recovery times, and improved patient outcomes across multiple surgical specialties.
