Kolkata: The SSKM Hospital in Kolkata (known more popularly as PG Hospital) will become the first public hospital in West Bengal to start robotic surgery.
Most private hospitals in Kolkata are already undertaking robotic surgeries. But SSKM will be the first government hospital to do so.
The hospital has already purchased a robot for Rs 7 crore and they will soon start surgeries using the robot from August onwards.
Currently, the setup procedure for the robot arm and the console is in the last phase. All necessary equipment has been purchased, a new OT has been made ready and doctors and nurses have been trained accordingly.
The robotic arm and the console panel are being placed in the new OPD building that has been constructed in the hospital.
The patients in the general surgery, urology and gynaecology departments will be the first ones to avail of robotic surgeries.
Subsequently, orthopaedic, neurosurgery, paediatric surgery, cardio-thoracic surgery and plastic surgery will be added to the list.
A special team has been created for robotic surgeries. This consists of two teaching doctors from each of the three departments, two OT trainers and senior nurses.
The training was completed in June only. Robotic surgeries are often more accurate as robotic arms move 360 degrees and can reach complex body positions.
Even older patients can be operated on using robotic arms. The patients, especially those from weaker economic backgrounds, will benefit
from robotic surgeries. Junior doctors, too, will soon gain proficiency here.
Health department officials hope that 200-300 government surgeons with robotic surgery skills will be created in the next five years.
