Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital unveils tele-robotic surgery program to provide care to patients nationwide

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital (HNRFH), Mumbai has launched Tele-Robotic Surgery Program in collaboration with the Dhirubhai Ambani Occupational Health & Community Medical Centre, Jamnagar. This initiative uses cutting-edge technology to bring highly specialised robotic surgeries to patients in remote areas.

The technology is powered by Reliance Jio’s digital connectivity. The program allows expert surgeons at HNRFH to perform and guide robotic-assisted procedures remotely. This breakthrough eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances.

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First surgery marks a milestone

The program’s first successful tele-robotic surgery was carried out at the Community Medical Centre in Jamnagar led by the hospital’s Director of Urology Oncology. The procedure involved real-time guidance and collaboration between the Mumbai-based surgical team and local medical staff.

“This is a landmark moment for Indian healthcare,” said Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO of Healthcare Initiatives at HNRFH. “For decades, specialised surgical care has been concentrated in a few urban centres, leaving millions without timely access. Our Tele-Robotic Surgery Program changes that by delivering advanced care directly to patients, wherever they are.”

How the program works

At the core of this initiative is an indigenously developed robotic surgical system capable of real-time tele-transmission. Surgeons in Mumbai control the robot while monitoring every move on high-definition screens, supported by a secure, ultra-low-latency network provided by Reliance Jio.

The system ensures accuracy enabling complex procedures with minimal risk. Local medical teams in Jamnagar assist on-site by gaining guidance and mentorship from the remote experts.

This continuous learning model strengthens capacity of regional hospitals and empowers them to perform sophisticated surgeries independently in future.

“The combination of advanced robotics and fast digital networks is transforming how healthcare is delivered,” said Anish Shah, COO of Jio Platforms. “By connecting distant locations like Mumbai and Jamnagar, we can make world-class surgical care accessible to everyone, regardless of geography.”

Bridging the urban-rural healthcare gap

One of the key goals of the Tele-Robotic Surgery Program is to reduce inequalities in healthcare access. In India specialised surgical procedures are often limited to major cities forcing patients from smaller towns to travel hundreds of kilometres for treatment.

With tele-robotic surgery, HNRFH can now extend its expertise to under-served regions. They can offer timely interventions by potentially saving lives that might have been at risk due to a delayed care.

The program also reinforces the philosophy of Atmanirbhar Bharat by using an indigenously developed robotic system.

Technology meets compassion

Dr. Gianchandani emphasised that technology alone is not enough. “Our belief is that innovation in healthcare must be guided by compassion and responsibility. By combining robotics, digital infrastructure, and clinical expertise, we are bringing dignity, continuity, and trust to patients in remote regions. Excellence in care should not be limited by geography.”