Odisha’s First Telesurgery by Shanti Memorial Hospital
In a groundbreaking step for Indian healthcare, Shanti Memorial Hospital in Cuttack has performed Odisha’s first successful telesurgery, setting a new benchmark for robotic and remote surgical innovation in the region. The surgery, carried out using the indigenously developed SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System, marks a leap forward in accessible, high-tech medical care across the country.
A Historic First for Odisha
A 24-year-old patient from Jaripadia in Tangi, suffering from an obstructed groin hernia, required immediate surgical intervention. The case was urgent — the condition was life-threatening and demanded rapid, expert response. In a remarkable demonstration of technological precision and coordination, Dr. Sreejoy Patnaik, Chairman and Managing Director of Shanti Memorial Hospital, conducted the operation remotely from Gurgaon, over 1,760 kilometres away from Cuttack.
The surgery, which lasted just over an hour, involved a robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair along with a robotic cholecystectomy. Both procedures were executed seamlessly through the SSI Mantra platform, proving the potential of remote surgery to bridge geographic and medical gaps in real time.
Pioneering India’s Tele-Robotic Healthcare
This success makes Shanti Memorial Hospital the first in Odisha and the second in eastern India to achieve a telesurgery of this nature. It also reaffirms India’s growing strength in indigenous robotic surgical innovation. The SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System — developed by SS Innovations, founded by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava — is designed to make advanced surgical precision affordable and accessible across all tiers of the healthcare system.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Patnaik shared, “This isn’t just a technological milestone — it’s a humanitarian one. The ability to deliver expert surgical care from hundreds of kilometres away can save countless lives, especially in remote areas where specialists aren’t immediately available.”
Day of Double Celebration
Alongside this landmark surgery, the hospital also celebrated its 100th successful robotic surgery, highlighting its rapid adoption of advanced surgical techniques since introducing robotic operations in 2021. The institution has invested approximately ₹7.5 crore in acquiring and upgrading the SSI Mantra system, solidifying its status as a leading centre for robotic and minimally invasive surgery in eastern India.
“This milestone symbolizes the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Srivastava, Founder and CEO of SS Innovations. “The success of this telesurgery shows how India is not just participating in global medical innovation but leading it. The Mantra system is proof that world-class surgical technology can be developed, built, and successfully implemented right here in India.”
The Patient’s Perspective
The young patient expressed heartfelt gratitude after his recovery. “Before the surgery, I was in unbearable pain. I never imagined that such advanced technology existed here in Cuttack — and that a surgeon sitting in another city could perform my operation so precisely. I owe my life to Dr. Patnaik and his team.”
Shaping the Future of Remote Surgery in India
The success of this long-distance surgery demonstrates how telesurgery can revolutionize emergency medical care, particularly in regions lacking specialist availability. With a reliable digital network and trained surgical teams, remote robotic operations could soon become standard in complex, time-sensitive cases.
As India continues to push the boundaries of healthcare technology, Shanti Memorial Hospital’s achievement stands as a beacon of innovation, skill, and compassion — showcasing how the future of medicine can reach every corner of the nation.