In a landmark collaboration aimed at strengthening the adoption and education of advanced surgical technology in India, Max Institute of Laparoscopic, Robotic, Bariatric Surgery & GI Surgery has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global surgical robotics leader Intuitive Surgical. The partnership is focused on broadening the reach of robotic-assisted surgery, enhancing surgeon training, and improving patient access to high-precision surgical care nationwide.

The MoU was formalised in the presence of Dr. Pradeep Chowbey, Group Chairman of Max Institute; David J. Rosa, Chief Executive Officer of Intuitive Surgical; and Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager of Intuitive India.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate to strengthen surgeon capability, develop structured training pathways, and support the adoption of robotic-assisted procedures across both complex and commonly performed surgeries. The initiative aims to scale robotic technology beyond specialised cases, making it an integral part of routine surgical practice to improve precision, standardisation and clinical outcomes across a broad spectrum of procedures.

Dr. Chowbey highlighted the importance of expanding robotic-assisted surgery beyond select complex cases, noting that “for any innovation in medical technology to truly make a difference in patient lives, it must move beyond selective adoption in limited settings and become an integral part of everyday surgical practice.”

The collaboration will also include clinical research partnerships, where Max Institute surgeons will participate in Intuitive-led studies and benefit from joint study design, analytics and publication support. Plans are underway to establish a Centre of Excellence to build clinical and economic evidence for robotic-assisted surgery, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions and potentially support insurance frameworks that address financial barriers and enable broader patient access where clinically appropriate.

Commenting on the announcement, Rohitt Mahajan said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing minimally invasive care through responsible adoption, structured training and close clinical collaboration to support consistent, high-quality patient outcomes.

This strategic MoU marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s surgical robotics ecosystem, supporting the growth of precision-driven surgical techniques and expanding access to technologically advanced care for patients across the country.