Varanasi, India: In a major step toward improving public healthcare infrastructure, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has supported the installation of a state-of-the-art robotic-assisted knee surgery system at the Trauma Center of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi.
The advanced surgical technology has been introduced under ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program and is expected to significantly enhance the quality and precision of orthopedic treatment available in the public healthcare system.
First Robotic Knee Replacement Successfully Performed
The system was officially launched with the successful completion of its first robotic knee replacement surgery on a 74-year-old patient from Bihar. Doctors at the Trauma Center said the robotic-assisted platform allows surgeons to perform procedures with far greater precision than conventional methods.
The technology enables personalized implant positioning and improved surgical planning, which can reduce post-operative pain, shorten hospital stays, and help patients recover more quickly.
First Government Hospital with Non-CT Robotic Technology
With this installation, the Trauma Center at the Institute of Medical Sciences has become the first government medical institution in India to adopt non-CT-based robotic knee surgery technology.
Previously, patients from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and neighboring regions often had to travel to large metropolitan cities or private hospitals to access robotic joint replacement procedures. The new system now makes advanced orthopedic care more accessible within the public healthcare network.
Support for Economically Weaker Patients
As part of the CSR initiative, ONGC has also provided robotic surgical consumables to support surgeries for 100 economically disadvantaged patients. This will allow them to undergo robotic knee replacement procedures at significantly reduced costs, including coverage under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.
Training Hub for Robotic Surgery
Beyond patient treatment, the facility is expected to become a training hub for orthopedic surgeons. The center will provide hands-on training in robotic-assisted surgical techniques, helping medical professionals build expertise in advanced surgical technologies.
Experts say the initiative could accelerate the adoption of precision healthcare solutions across India while improving treatment outcomes for patients suffering from severe joint disorders and trauma-related conditions.
Strengthening Healthcare Through CSR
Officials noted that ONGC’s CSR programs increasingly focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to advanced medical technologies in public institutions. By bringing robotic surgery to a government hospital, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical technology and affordable healthcare.
The collaboration between a major public sector company and a leading medical institution demonstrates how CSR initiatives can play a vital role in modernizing India’s healthcare system and improving patient care.