India Pharma Outlook Team | Friday, 23 January 2026
Max Institute of Laparoscopic Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Bariatric Surgery & GI Surgery has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intuitive Surgical to accelerate the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in India. The partnership, signed on January 22, 2026, aims to expand surgeon training, strengthen clinical pathways, and improve patient access to advanced minimally invasive care.
The MoU was signed by Dr.?Pradeep?Chowbey, Group Chairman of Max Institute; David?J.?Rosa, CEO of Intuitive; and Rohitt?Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager of Intuitive India. The collaboration seeks to extend robotic-assisted surgery to routine procedures alongside complex cases. The focus is on creating a comprehensive training infrastructure and improving safety standards for using robotic systems like Intuitive’s da Vinci system.
Dr.?Chowbey stressed that for robotic surgery to transform patient care in India, it must move beyond complex procedures into more common surgeries. He highlighted the potential of platforms like the da Vinci system to enhance the safety and efficiency of a broad range of surgeries.
Rohitt?Mahajan emphasized the partnership’s role in improving patient outcomes through structured education, responsible technology adoption, and collaborative clinical research. Max Institute surgeons will engage in Intuitive-led clinical studies, and Intuitive will support research initiatives led by Max Institute teams.
A key element of the partnership is the planned establishment of a Centre of Excellence for robotic surgery. This center will produce clinical evidence and economic evidence to guide hospitals, healthcare systems, and insurers. The aim is to influence insurance frameworks to make robotic surgery more accessible to patients when appropriate.
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This partnership marks a significant step in mainstreaming robotic surgery in India, combining education, research, and clinical collaboration to enhance patient outcomes.