AIIMS Delhi has set a new benchmark in medical education by becoming the first government medical college in India to install Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci robotic system for robotic-assisted surgery training. The state-of-the-art system has been integrated into the SET (Skills, E-learning, and Telemedicine) facility, marking a significant step toward modernizing surgical education and providing hands-on experience to the next generation of doctors.
Second Robotic Platform at AIIMS SET Facility
The addition of the da Vinci system makes this the second robotic platform at AIIMS Delhi’s SET centre, establishing the institute as the only medical college in India with two robots exclusively dedicated to medical training. With both platforms, AIIMS provides medical students, residents, nurses, and faculty with unparalleled opportunities for practical learning using advanced simulators, mannequins, and robotic interfaces.
The SET facility focuses on skill development, e-learning modules, and telemedicine training, creating an ecosystem where doctors can refine surgical techniques in a controlled environment before performing procedures on patients.
Applications Across Multiple Specialties
The da Vinci robotic system allows trainees to gain experience in various surgical specialties, including:
- Urology
- Gynaecology
- General Surgery
- Oncology
- Head & Neck Surgery
By providing exposure across these fields, the system enhances clinical competence and prepares doctors for the increasing adoption of robot-assisted surgeries in India and globally. The robotic system’s precision, 3D visualization, and minimally invasive capabilities ensure that trainees learn techniques that improve patient safety and surgical outcomes.
Investment and Significance
Older models of the da Vinci robotic system cost between ₹8–20 crore, excluding service fees, underscoring the significant investment made by AIIMS to enhance surgical training. By acquiring the second robot, AIIMS demonstrates a commitment to cutting-edge medical technology, positioning the institute as a pioneer in robotic surgery education among government medical colleges.
Impact on Medical Education and Healthcare in India
The introduction of the da Vinci system at AIIMS Delhi has far-reaching implications for medical education and healthcare in India. Trainees now have access to a hands-on, simulated environment to practice complex procedures, reducing the learning curve for robotic-assisted surgeries and enhancing patient safety.
Moreover, the initiative will foster research in robotic surgery techniques, improve proficiency in minimally invasive procedures, and ensure that Indian doctors are globally competitive in advanced surgical technologies. The integration of robotic platforms in a government medical college also sets a precedent for other institutions to invest in high-end surgical training infrastructure.
With the installation of Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci robotic system, AIIMS Delhi has become a trailblazer in robotic-assisted surgery training in India. The SET facility, now equipped with two robotic platforms, provides medical students, residents, nurses, and faculty with hands-on exposure to multiple surgical specialties. This advancement is not only a milestone in medical education but also a significant step toward enhancing patient care and surgical outcomes in the country.
