Technology will help in performing complex surgeries with precision
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Jan 11: The robotic surgery is likely to be introduced in Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar soon with an announcement in this context also expected shortly by the Government.
Official sources said that initially one robot would be set up in each Medical College in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar and thereafter, another robot would be established in SKIMS Soura, thereby paving the way for conducting advanced surgeries in Urology, Nephrology, and Cardiology, among other medical branches, in an expeditious manner with greater precision.
A doctor said on condition of anonymity that the cost of the state-of-the-art robots used in performing intricate procedures such as prostrate surgery, kidney surgery, testicular cancer surgery, and reconstructive surgeries ranges from Rs 25-30 crores per unit. He said even the cost of the gadgets used in the robots also runs in lakhs and hence the cost of per surgery using the advanced robots also ranges in lakhs.
But according to him, this cost can be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Government, under which the costly transplants are already being performed in the Government hospitals across the Union Territory.
Pertinently, the groundwork for introducing the robotic surgery in GMC Jammu commenced almost five years ago with the initial tendering process set into motion. However, due to unspecified reasons, the project faced delays, even though the ground floor of the Super Specialty Hospital Jammu was earmarked for the establishment of the robots.
Followed by this, the demand for robotic surgery persisted, with doctors consistently advocating for introduction of the technique in both Medical Colleges. To prepare medical practitioners for this technological leap, Government has on different occasions also conducted the conferences and sessions on robotic surgeries across Jammu and Kashmir.
A health official said that the latest development includes the reissuance of tenders, drawing participation from 4-5 companies specializing in manufacturing these advanced medical robots.
He said that a pre-bidding meeting has taken place, showcasing the companies’ keen interest in providing the robots.
“The next steps involve conducting demonstrations of the robots, determining rate contracts, and addressing technical requirements through the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) and to award the contract to the most eligible company,” he said.
Regarding the project’s total cost, the official emphasized that specific details would only be disclosed after the Government officially sanctions the establishment of robots in GMCs Jammu and Srinagar.
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