VIMS&RC and Intuitive collaborate to expand access to robotic-assisted surgery for future surgeons

New Delhi: Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, a leading institution in multi-specialty tertiary care, has joined hands with Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), to introduce resident surgeons to robotic-assisted surgical technology through the Intuitive Robotic Onboarding Program and Education (I-ROPE).

This initiative marks the introduction of I-ROPE in a private hospital in India, providing surgical oncology postgraduate trainees with exposure to robotic-assisted surgery and its clinical applications.

The program was inaugurated by Mr. L K Atheeq, IAS Additional Chief Secretary to СM Government of Karnataka, in an event held at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Dr. UT Iftikhar Ali Fareed, Chairman of the Allied & Healthcare Council of Karnataka, Dr.Riyaz Basha S M.D, Registrar [Evaluation] Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, and Dr. Kalpaja D A, Chairperson-Vydehi Group of Institutions, were also present at the event.

Speaking at the event, Mr. L.K. Atheeq, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Government of Karnataka, appreciated Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre and Intuitive for their collaboration for equipping young surgeons with robotic-assisted surgery technology. He also mentioned that it would be great if this programme can be done at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences as well, which could benefit a large number of medical professionals and students, enhancing their expertise and contributing to healthcare in Karnataka.

Commenting on the institute’s commitment to technological advancements in medical education, Chairperson Dr. Kalpaja D A said, “Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into medical education and training. The introduction of I-ROPE in our hospital reflects our commitment to equipping future surgical oncologists with advanced skills in robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring better patient outcomes and medical excellence.”

The I-ROPE program is designed to introduce early-career surgeons to robotic-assisted surgery through structured sessions that cover the technology, its applications across various surgical disciplines, and its potential role in modern clinical practice. At Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, the program is being conducted using the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical system, providing residents hands-on familiarity with one of the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical platforms available today.

Despite the increasing adoption of robotic-assisted surgery worldwide, exposure to this technology remains limited within traditional surgical training programs in India. This collaboration between Intuitive and Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre aims to bridge this gap by integrating robotic-assisted surgery into early-stage surgical exposure, to help prepare future surgeons for evolving medical practices.

Dr. M.S. Ganesh, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The evolution of surgical care is being driven by technology, and robotic-assisted surgery is rapidly emerging as a crucial tool in the operating room. Early exposure to this technology provides residents with the ability to understand its advantages, develop critical decision-making skills, and explore how it integrates into various surgical specialties. At Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, we are committed to equipping future surgeons with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt to advancements that will define the next era of surgical care.”

Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager, Intuitive India, highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration, stating, “The execution of Robotic-assisted surgery skill building and education programs is an important step towards nurturing the next generation of surgeons in being future-ready for evolving surgical practices. We are excited to expand the I-ROPE program to private hospitals in India, supporting the country’s healthcare landscape’s evolution towards better patient outcomes through minimally invasive care.  Our collaboration with Vydehi reflects an effort to integrate robotic-assisted surgery techniques in the area of medical education in leading teaching institutes of India.”

Intuitive has been expanding access to robotic-assisted surgery in India through the successful implementation of the I-ROPE program across leading government medical institutions. These include AIIMS Delhi, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, and Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.

Since the inception of the I-ROPE program, around 350 resident surgeons have participated in it, gaining exposure to robotic-assisted surgical technology. With the expansion of the program to Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Intuitive continues its mission of widening access to robotic-assisted surgery in India, ensuring that both public and private healthcare institutions can provide early-stage exposure to this advanced technology.