In a milestone for the state’s healthcare system, Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first robotic-assisted surgery facility at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamiana, Shimla.
The advanced unit, established in the Department of Urology, is equipped with the da Vinci Surgical System, making AIMSS a regional hub for minimally invasive surgical care. The inauguration was attended by Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development Minister Shri Anirudh Singh, and senior officials from the Health and Medical Education departments.
Speaking at the event, CM Sukhu said the facility reflects the government’s vision of making cutting-edge surgical technologies accessible in Himachal Pradesh, which were once available only in metro cities. The centre will enable doctors to perform complex surgeries with greater precision and safety, ensuring patients in the state receive world-class care.
The facility is also expected to emerge as a centre of excellence for both patient services and clinical training, fostering research and innovation in robotic-assisted surgery.
Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager of Intuitive India, praised the initiative as a step towards modernising public healthcare and ensuring equitable access. He noted that robotic technologies like the da Vinci system improve precision and outcomes in both oncology and benign procedures, helping expand minimally invasive care to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Health Minister Dr. Shandil highlighted that the programme will also build a skilled surgical workforce, boosting the quality of healthcare across the state.
The government is planning to expand robotic-assisted surgery to other medical institutions, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (Tanda), Hamirpur Medical College, and Indira Gandhi Medical College (Shimla). As part of the phased rollout, the state will recruit specialist robotic surgeons to strengthen advanced surgical capabilities in Himachal Pradesh.