Hyderabad is buzzing with a medical ambition that could reshape surgery across Telangana. The state government wants its next wave of doctors to master robotic procedures—and it’s proposing a formal six-month training module for postgraduate medical students. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha made the announcement at a state-level workshop, framing it as essential to expanding high-precision care beyond Hyderabad’s major institutions.

Key facts

  • Six-month robotic surgery training proposed for PG medical students
  • State will seek approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC)
  • Training currently underway at NIMS and MNJ Cancer Institute
  • Nearly 1,000 robotic surgeries completed recently at NIMS

Building a Statewide Robotic Surgery Network

This isn’t just about adding a high-tech skill to a curriculum. Telangana is already training surgeons from 35 medical colleges and 47 hospitals at two government institutions—Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences and MNJ Cancer Institute. Dr. A. Narendra Kumar, Director of MCR TIMS, stressed that the goal is decentralization. “The idea is to ensure that robotic surgery does not remain concentrated in a handful of premier institutions in Hyderabad,” he said.

Human and Technological Balance

While the push is technological, the heart of the effort remains deeply human. Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, a robotic surgery expert, highlighted how bringing specialist expertise to districts could ease the emotional and financial strain on rural families who currently travel to cities for care. Dr. N. Vani, Director of Medical Education, echoed that sentiment but added a crucial caution: young surgeons must blend technology with clinical judgment, human touch, and compassion.

“Success of robotics is not about purchasing a robot,” warned Dr. Raj Gajbhiye, Dean of Government Medical College Nagpur. He pointed to the need for infrastructure, trained faculty, and teamwork—not just machines.

Funding and Future Steps

The state is already covering robotic surgery costs for eligible patients through the Rajiv Aarogyasri health scheme. With nearly 1,000 procedures completed at NIMS alone, the foundation is being laid. Now, the government must convince the NMC that a dedicated six-month training block will produce surgeons ready to serve in a hub-and-spoke or district-level model—without losing the art of medicine in the process.