Mumbai: Robotic surgery, launched in April at the state-run JJ Hospital, has become a major lifeline for patients. In just 83 days, the hospital successfully performed robotic surgeries on 101 patients. These surgeries have been made available free of cost for poor and middle-class patients.
High-Cost Procedures Now Free at State Hospital
In private hospitals, the same surgeries cost between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, but at JJ Hospital, they are being done entirely free.
In recent years, India has made remarkable progress in the field of robotic surgery. This modern technology enables procedures that are more precise, less painful, and allow for faster recovery. The Department of Medical Education decided to introduce this robotic system at JJ Hospital, and it was installed at a cost of around Rs 32 crore.
Hospital Dean Dr. Ajay Bhandarwar said that the first robotic surgery was performed at the hospital on April 9. He noted that the first patient was a 37-year-old man suffering from a hernia, while the 101st patient was a 27-year-old farmer from Pune who also underwent hernia surgery.
Surgeries Performed with Robotic Assistance
Dr. Bhandarwar explained that robotic surgery benefits patients through accurate diagnosis, minimal blood loss, reduced pain, and faster recovery. These procedures were carried out by specialists from the General Surgery Department. So far, the robot has been used for gallbladder, hernia, pancreas, and other complex surgeries. Soon, it will also be used for liver, kidney, urinary tract, uterus, and breast surgeries.
First 500 Surgeries to Be Free
Dr. Bhandarwar added that JJ Hospital has set a new benchmark in public healthcare with robotic surgery. The cost of the first 500 robotic surgeries will be borne by the company that provided the robot. Once these are completed, the hospital aims to continue offering the service free of cost to poor patients under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, for which a proposal has already been submitted to the government.
In contrast, robotic surgeries in private hospitals typically cost Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh, depending on the procedure and institution. Private hospitals in Mumbai offer robotic surgeries, but the high cost often makes them inaccessible to low- and middle-income patients.
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Prostatectomy or urological robotic surgery: Rs 2.5–Rs 3.5 lakh
Hernia repair or gallbladder removal: Rs 1.5–Rs2.5 lakh
Gynaecological robotic procedures: Rs 2–Rs 3 lakh
Surgeries already being performed: Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), Hernia repairs and Tumour removal in complex locations.
Upcoming expansion areas: Gastroenterology, Urology (e.g., prostate, bladder, kidney surgeries), and Gynaecology.
