NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, JUNE 20
In a landmark achievement that underscores India’s growing prowess in advanced medical technology, the Department of Paediatric Surgery at JIPMER, Puducherry, has successfully completed 500 robotic-assisted surgeries in children, emerging as a national leader in precision-driven paediatric healthcare while making cutting-edge treatment accessible to patients irrespective of their economic background.
The milestone is not merely a numerical achievement but a testament to how innovation, public healthcare and compassionate medicine can converge to transform lives.
- Government-run institution scripts medical history by completing 500 robotic surgeries in children, making world-class technology affordable for ordinary families
- From complex reconstructive procedures to precision-driven interventions, JIPMER’s pioneering programme blends innovation, expertise and equity to create a new benchmark in paediatric surgical excellence
JIPMER’s paediatric robotic surgery programme began in 2018, setting a pioneering precedent for robotic-assisted surgery in children within a government-funded tertiary care institution. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Kumaravel S. and Dr. Bibekanand Jindal, who obtained the initial certifications to perform robotic procedures in paediatric patients. The programme was subsequently strengthened by the addition of certified robotic surgeons Dr. Bikash Kumar Naredi and Dr. Krishna Kumar G., enabling the department to expand its portfolio of highly specialised surgical services.
Over the years, the department has successfully undertaken an extensive range of complex robotic procedures involving the urinary, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, thoracic and reconstructive systems. These include pyeloplasty for pelviureteric junction obstruction, ureteric reimplantation for vesicoureteric reflux, choledochal cyst excision and reconstruction, repair of diaphragmatic eventration, surgeries for achalasia and hiatus hernia, robotic-assisted anorectal pull-through procedures, vaginal reconstruction, and several other intricate paediatric interventions.
The completion of 500 robotic surgeries reflects not only the department’s growing expertise but also the confidence reposed by patients and families from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Krishna Kumar G., Professor and Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery, said: “Reaching the milestone of 500 robotic surgeries reflects years of dedicated teamwork, continuous skill development and institutional support. Robotic technology has enabled surgeons to perform highly complex procedures with greater precision and has significantly enhanced outcomes for children requiring advanced surgical care.”
The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery are particularly significant in children. The technology enables surgeons to operate through smaller incisions while ensuring exceptional precision, resulting in reduced postoperative pain, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and superior cosmetic outcomes. Most importantly, minimal tissue trauma contributes to better long-term health prospects for young patients.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of JIPMER’s programme is its commitment to equitable healthcare. Procedures that often cost substantial amounts in private corporate hospitals are being delivered within the public healthcare framework, allowing economically disadvantaged families to access sophisticated robotic surgery without the crushing financial burden typically associated with such advanced interventions.
The achievement demonstrates that technological excellence and social responsibility can coexist, setting a powerful example for healthcare institutions across the country.
The department also acknowledged the indispensable contributions of the Department of Anaesthesiology, nursing teams, robotic operation theatre technicians and various ancillary services, whose coordinated efforts have been instrumental in the success of the programme. Faculty members, residents, nurses and support staff of the Department of Paediatric Surgery have collectively contributed to this remarkable journey.
Congratulating the team, Dr. Vir Singh Negi, Director, JIPMER, said: “The milestone reflects JIPMER’s commitment to excellence in patient care, innovation and academic leadership, while simultaneously ensuring that the benefits of modern medical technology reach patients irrespective of their economic circumstances. I appreciate the efforts of all departments and personnel involved in making this achievement possible and am confident that JIPMER will continue to set new benchmarks in advanced and accessible healthcare.”
The completion of 500 robotic-assisted surgeries marks a defining chapter in JIPMER’s journey of medical innovation and patient-centred care. More importantly, it signals the emergence of a healthcare model where sophisticated technology is no longer an exclusive privilege but a life-saving reality available to every child who needs it.
