The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, and Intuitive, a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a state-of-the-art training centre at AIIMS. The centre will focus on enhancing the skills of surgeons in robotic-assisted surgery, offering advanced training across specialities such as urology, gynaecology, and general surgery.

The AIIMS da Vinci RAS training centre aims to bridge the gap in technology adoption by equipping surgeons and care teams with the necessary expertise to perform complex surgeries using the da Vinci robotic system. This collaboration between academia and industry is set to boost the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in India, where demand for such advanced technologies is rapidly growing due to rising cases of cancer and other conditions requiring soft tissue surgery.

Gary S. Guthart, CEO of Intuitive, stated, "We believe the AIIMS da Vinci RAS training centre will serve as a beacon of excellence, fostering the development of the next generation of surgeons". Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such training in India, where the need for robotic surgery is evident with the increasing disease burden.

As part of the MoU, Intuitive will provide continuous support and training for surgeons throughout their careers, ensuring they stay at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery advancements. AIIMS, being an early adopter of robotic surgery, already has a pool of experienced surgeons who will mentor new surgeons nationwide.

Intuitive has previously established three similar training centres across India, and more than 850 surgeons have been trained on the da Vinci system. The system offers enhanced precision, flexibility, and control, resulting in improved surgical accuracy, faster recovery times, and better patient outcomes.