On July 10, 2025, Dr. Mohit Bhandari led two One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) procedures remotely using India’s homegrown SSI Mantra 3 surgical robot. From SS Innovations’ HQ in Gurugram, he operated on patients at Mohak Bariatric Centre in Indore — approximately 900 km (560 miles) apart — achieving flawless execution with zero noticeable lag
How It Worked
The procedures utilized an advanced telerobotic platform:
- SSI Mantra 3, India’s first CDSCO-approved system for telesurgery
- High-speed network enabling imperceptible latency
- Local surgical team assisted on-site in Indore
- Dr. Bhandari controlled robotic arms remotely from Gurugram console
Why It Matters
- Democratizing specialist care: Enables bariatric surgeries in remote locations without requiring patient relocation
- Indigenous excellence: Validates India’s capacity to commercialize advanced medical robotics
- Precision at scale: Demonstrates potential for complex procedures via tele-agentic control, with plans for expansion across India
Bridging Healthcare Gaps
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava of SS Innovations highlights that this breakthrough eliminates distance barriers, expanding access to expert surgical care across underserved regions. It supports a more equitable healthcare model and reflects global confidence in India’s telemedicine leadership
Looking Ahead
- Next step: Broader deployment of telesurgeries across specialties and geographies
- Infrastructure focus: Scaling broadband, training local staff, and building robust remote surgery standards
- Global vision: Potential to serve remote areas, disaster zones, and regions with limited medical resources
Final Take
India’s pioneering telerobotic bariatric surgery over 900 km is a testament to its indigenous innovation and commitment to equitable healthcare. By combining robotic precision with remote connectivity, this milestone signals a future where geography no longer limits access to lifesaving surgical care.
