July 14,2025 — In a landmark achievement for the global medical community, India has successfully conducted the world’s first telerobotic bariatric (weight loss) surgery. The breakthrough procedure was performed at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi and marks a significant advancement in the integration of robotics and digital health technologies.
The surgery, a sleeve gastrectomy, was carried out using a robotic surgical system controlled remotely by Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, a leading bariatric surgeon. The procedure was enabled by high-speed 5G connectivity, allowing the surgeon to operate on the patient from a location nearly 30 kilometers away from the hospital. Officials confirmed that the patient, a 45-year-old woman suffering from severe obesity and related health conditions, is recovering well without complications.
“This is a defining moment not just for India but for the global healthcare system,” said Dr. Saggu. “With the help of advanced robotics and digital infrastructure, we’ve proven that geography no longer needs to be a barrier to expert medical care.”
The procedure was conducted using the Versius Surgical Robotic System, which allowed for real-time precision and minimal invasiveness. Medical experts say this technique can potentially transform how surgeries are performed, especially in areas where access to skilled surgeons is limited.
According to hospital authorities, the operation is the first of its kind in the field of bariatrics to be completed remotely and successfully. Telerobotic surgery combines surgical robotics with telecommunication technology, enabling experts to perform operations on patients from remote locations. This fusion of technology is being hailed as the future of surgery.
The development is also seen as a significant boost to the Indian government’s “Digital India” and “Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission” programs, which aim to expand healthcare access using digital technologies. With over 5 billion people globally lacking access to safe and affordable surgical care, according to the World Health Organization, experts believe telerobotic innovations could play a crucial role in bridging the healthcare gap.
Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, stated, “This achievement showcases India’s capability in leveraging technology to solve critical healthcare challenges. It holds tremendous promise for the future of remote surgeries, especially in rural and underserved areas.”
The success of this telerobotic weight loss surgery places India at the forefront of global medical innovation, signaling the beginning of a new era in healthcare delivery. Industry experts anticipate further advancements in the field, with more complex surgeries potentially being performed remotely in the near future.
