Fri Jan 24 18:47:49 UTC 2025: ## Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology Hits Robotic Surgery Milestone
**Bengaluru, January 25, 2025** – The state-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) in Bengaluru has reached a significant milestone, performing its 1,000th robotic surgery. This achievement makes KMIO the first government hospital in the state to utilize robotic surgical technology, a system it acquired in 2016 at a cost of ₹16.5 crore.
Since the introduction of the Da Vinci XI Robotic Surgical System, the institute has been conducting approximately 150 robotic surgeries monthly. In 2023 and 2024, KMIO performed 4,299 and 4,592 major surgeries respectively, representing about 20% of the estimated new cancer cases in Karnataka according to the population-based cancer registry.
All 1,000 robotic surgeries were conducted free of charge, with a portion benefiting patients holding ESI and APL cards, and others under the SCSPTSP scheme. The total cost of the robotic surgeries to the institute has been ₹22 crore.
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil praised KMIO’s achievement, highlighting the institute’s commitment to providing advanced cancer treatment at affordable rates. He emphasized the role of innovative medical technologies in delivering high-quality and timely care.
Institute Administrator Naveen Bhat stated that the robotic technology has significantly improved the precision and effectiveness of complex cancer surgeries, resulting in less pain, reduced infection risk, and faster patient recovery. Ravi Arjunan, in-charge director at Kidwai, further elaborated on the advantages of robotic surgery, including smaller incisions, better accessibility, and improved surgical accuracy.
KMIO, a super-specialty hospital providing extensive inpatient care, also houses Karnataka’s only bone marrow transplant unit, having performed its 100th transplant in September 2024.
First Piper 