TNR News Network
Shimla:
In a historic moment for Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare system, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday (August 11, 2025) formally inaugurated the state’s first robotic surgery unit at the Atal Super Specialty Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMSS) in Chamiana, Shimla.
The launch not only marked a major leap in the state’s medical capabilities but also saw the Chief Minister donning a green gown — symbolically liking medical staff— to underscore the significance of the event.
The ceremony was also attended by Health Minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil and local MLA Anirudh Singh. The inauguration coincided with four complex surgeries being performed using robotic technology, including procedures for prostate cancer, kidney tumours and a non-functioning kidney.
First surgery started at 9.30 am
The first robotic surgery at the facility began at 9.30 am. According to doctors, each operation was conducted through a robotic system controlled by a team of three expert surgeons.
The surgical team was led by Dr Anant Kumar, head of the Urology Department at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, who has previously trained in robotic surgery at premier institutes like AIIMS. He was joined by Dr Pamposh Raina and Dr Pawan Kaundal from the Chamiana Urology Department.
The robotic surgery system, which cost around Rs 29 crore, has been installed at AIMSS to provide patients with safer, more precise, and minimally invasive surgical options. Dr Sudhir Sharma, Medical Superintendent of the institute, highlighted that this advanced system would significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to major cities for complex operations.
Relief for Himachal patients: No more travel to Delhi or Chandigarh
Until now, patients from Himachal Pradesh had to rely on hospitals in Delhi, Chandigarh or other metropolitan cities for robotic or high-precision surgeries. With this launch, such procedures can now be performed within the state itself, cutting down on both cost and travel time for patients.
Hospital authorities confirmed that the robotic surgery unit will be used across departments like urology, oncology, gynaecology and other complex surgical areas in the future.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sukhu shared that he personally underwent a robotic surgery five years ago, which inspired him to bring the same cutting-edge technology to Himachal Pradesh.
“It was always my vision to see robotic surgeries happen in our state. Today, that dream has been realised. The real beneficiaries of this are the common people of Himachal,” Sukhu said.
He announced that the state government would invest Rs 3,000 crore in medical technology by 2030. He also revealed that a Rs 1,340 crore project under JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) is likely to be approved soon. This will be used to upgrade diagnostic and treatment equipment across the state.
The CM further added that all outdated X-ray machines would be replaced and the MRI machine at IGMC-Shimla would be upgraded as part of the larger healthcare infrastructure plan. Robotic surgical systems will also be introduced at IGMC-Shimla, Tanda, Nerchowk and Hamirpur medical colleges, ensuring advanced care across Himachal.
