Jharkhand | Ranchi: Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital is preparing to add another advanced medical facility, with robotic surgery expected to begin within the next six months. Following plans to establish a Cath Lab and PET scan facility, the hospital is now moving towards introducing robotic-assisted surgical procedures, potentially reducing the need for patients to travel to private hospitals or medical centres outside Jharkhand for certain complex operations.
A demonstration of robotic surgery technology was conducted at Sadar Hospital on Friday, attended by surgeons and hospital officials. The participants were introduced to the machine’s working mechanism, surgical applications and technical capabilities, along with hands-on training. The hospital has proposed purchasing a robotic surgery system estimated to cost around ₹25 crore. The proposal has reached the Finance Department, and Cabinet approval is awaited before the procurement and installation process can move forward.
Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr Amarendra Prasad has set a six-month target for starting the facility. Once the proposal receives the necessary approvals, the hospital will proceed with the next stages of procurement, installation and preparation for clinical use.
Existing Surgical Facilities, But Robotic Procedures Still Unavailable
Sadar Hospital already provides general surgery, laparoscopic procedures and several major surgical services through departments including General Surgery, Gynaecology and Neurosurgery. Complex procedures, including brain tumour surgeries, have also been performed at the hospital.
However, robotic-assisted surgery is not currently available in the government hospital. Patients requiring certain specialised robotic procedures may have to approach private hospitals or advanced medical centres outside the state, depending on the nature of their condition and the treatment available.
The high cost of robotic surgery at private hospitals can make such procedures financially difficult for economically weaker patients. The proposed facility at Sadar Hospital is expected to create an additional treatment option within the government healthcare system, subject to the availability of suitable procedures, trained specialists and operational arrangements.
What Will Robotic Surgery Change?
Robotic surgery does not mean that a robot independently performs an operation. The surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure, operating specialised robotic arms through a console equipped with a camera and surgical instruments. The technology enables precise movements and better control during selected complex procedures.
The proposed facility could offer several advantages:
- Greater precision: Robotic instruments can help surgeons perform delicate movements with greater control, particularly during complex procedures.
- Smaller incisions: In selected surgeries, minimally invasive techniques can reduce incision size, potentially resulting in less pain and blood loss.
- Faster recovery: Depending on the procedure, patients may experience shorter hospital stays and recover sooner than with conventional open surgery.
- Reduced need to travel: Patients eligible for robotic procedures may get access to treatment at a government hospital in Ranchi instead of travelling to other cities.
- Potential financial relief: Availability within the public healthcare system may reduce the financial burden on eligible patients, although treatment costs and scheme coverage will depend on the final arrangements.
The benefits will depend on the type of surgery, patient eligibility and the availability of trained surgeons. Robotic surgery is not required or suitable for every operation.
Health Minister’s Announcement, Sadar Hospital to Take the Lead
Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari had recently announced plans to introduce robotic surgery in Jharkhand’s government hospitals during a Digital Health Conclave. Sadar Hospital in Ranchi is now being prepared as the starting point for the initiative.
With the proposed ₹25-crore investment and a six-month implementation target, the hospital is looking to expand access to advanced surgical treatment. Once operational, the facility could benefit patients from Ranchi as well as other districts, strengthening the role of government hospitals in providing modern healthcare.
The initiative is expected to mark another important step in the expansion of advanced medical infrastructure in Jharkhand, with the aim of making specialised treatment more accessible and reducing dependence on expensive private healthcare options.
