Context: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Manipal Hospitals, in collaboration with SS Innovations, has successfully conducted the world’s first robotic cardiac telesurgery. 

• India’s indigenous Surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, performed two world-first robotic cardiac telesurgeries with latency of only 40 milliseconds. 

• Telesurgery uses robotics and cameras to allow surgeons to perform operations from any location with a high-speed data connection.

About SSI Mantra

• It is the only robotic system worldwide to receive regulatory approval for telesurgery and tele-proctoring. 

• Recently, it was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), central regulatory body under theDrugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. 

• It performed the robotic beating heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB), considered one of the most complex cardiac surgical procedures.

Other Key Applications of Robotics in Healthcare

• Safety & Monitoring Robots: Telepresence systems use computer vision technology to monitor the patient’s vitals

• Robotic Prosthetics: Advanced robotic prosthetics improve mobility and functionality for amputees. E.g. Robotic limbs and exoskeletons

• Sanitation and Disinfection Robots: Utilises ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light or hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) for cleaning identified areas.

• Medical Transportation Robots: Deliver supplies, medications, and meals to patients etc.

• Associated Challenges: High initial cost, skill and training gap to operate intricate robotic systems, ethical concerns (who will be accountable for potential errors), Patient trust, etc. 

Indian Initiatives to Integrate Robotics in Healthcare 

• National Health Policy, 2017: Recognizes the significant role of technology in healthcare delivery.

• Draft National Strategy on Robotics, 2023: It emphasised promotion of robotics including in healthcare and provides for setting up of the Robotics Innovation Unit (RIU).

• Other: Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK) in IISc Bengaluru