Ahmedabad, 14 February 2026: In a landmark achievement for Gujarat’s healthcare landscape, the state has successfully completed its first long-distance robotic tele-surgery across a distance of nearly 1,000 kilometres, connecting New Delhi and Ahmedabad in real time.
On 11th February 2026, leading GI and Robotic Surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti, Director at Kaizen Hospital, performed a complex robotic gastrointestinal procedure while physically present in New Delhi, as the patient remained in Ahmedabad. The surgery was executed through a secure, high-speed dedicated network with real-time data transmission, while the on-site surgical and anesthesia team assisted at the bedside. The procedure was completed safely, and the patient was discharged uneventfully.
The surgery was conducted using the indigenously developed SSI Mantra 3.0, a next-generation robotic platform built to democratize access to advanced minimally invasive surgery across India. The system has already enabled more than 120 tele-robotic surgeries nationwide, with approximately 40 centers interconnected for remote surgical capability. This expanding network demonstrates robust connectivity, system stability, and clinical reliability in real-world surgical settings.
The 1,000 km surgical collaboration underscores a transformative possibility: expert surgeons can now operate across cities without requiring patient transfer. This reduces travel risks, hospital logistics, treatment delays, and overall costs — particularly crucial for critically ill patients and those in geographically distant regions.
Commenting on the breakthrough, Director at Kaizen Hospital Ahmedabad Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti said “Covering nearly 1,000 kilometres between Delhi and Ahmedabad, this surgery proves that geography no longer needs to dictate access to advanced healthcare. For the first time in Gujarat, we have demonstrated that complex robotic GI surgery can be performed remotely with complete safety and precision. This model can significantly expand specialist access to smaller cities, enable structured tele-mentoring, and strengthen surgical training across India. It is a decisive step toward fully digitally connected operating rooms.”
In the past 20 months alone, Dr. Haribhakti has performed over 250 robotic gastrointestinal surgeries, reflecting rapid technological adoption with consistent clinical outcomes. His work emphasizes enhanced precision, reduced tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, quicker recovery times, and standardization of complex GI procedures using structured robotic techniques.
Robotic surgery has shown significant benefits for patients with inguinal hernia, hiatus hernia, gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal, oesophageal, pancreatic and liver cancers, bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, and other advanced abdominal conditions.
At Kaizen Hospital, robotic surgery is positioned as a cost-effective and patient-centric solution. The initiative is supported by Team Kaizen, comprising Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti along with Dr. K. S. Patel, Dr. Atul J. Shah, Dr. Harshad Soni, Dr. Jayant Jhala, Dr Avadh Patel and Dr. Vidish Sheth, who collectively contribute to advancing precision GI and minimally invasive surgical care in Gujarat.
This historic 1,000 km tele-robotic surgery places Gujarat prominently on India’s advanced robotic healthcare map and signals the beginning of an era where distance will no longer be a barrier to specialized surgical expertise.
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