In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing healthcare access, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intuitive, a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) technology. The collaboration will launch 25 new robotic surgery programs featuring da Vinci robotic systems in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, focusing on expanding minimally invasive surgical care in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
The partnership will establish the Robotic Surgery Centre of Excellence at KIMS-PES Hospital, Bangalore, which will serve as the training hub for robotic surgeries across all KIMS branches in India. The da Vinci robotic systems will be deployed in key locations such as Nagpur, Nashik, Thane, Bengaluru, Secunderabad, and several other cities, ensuring access to advanced surgical technologies for patients in previously underserved regions.
Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of KIMS Hospitals, stated, "This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in expanding our capabilities and improving patient outcomes through robotic-assisted surgery. By bringing this technology to tier 2 and 3 cities, we are ensuring more equitable access to cutting-edge surgical care."
Gary S. Guthart, CEO of Intuitive, expressed his enthusiasm, noting, "We are honoured to support KIMS Hospitals in their mission to provide high-quality minimally invasive care to a broader population. Together, we aim to revolutionise surgical care across India."
As part of the collaboration, Intuitive India will provide comprehensive training, technology support, and customer service to ensure the success of the program. Currently, over 170 da Vinci systems are installed across India, and more than 850 surgeons are trained in robotic surgery, with this partnership set to increase both figures significantly.