Guwahati, 26 September (HS): Assam has taken a significant step towards advanced cardiac care with the successful introduction of robotic-assisted heart surgery at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Three patients underwent robotic cardiac surgeries successfully over two days on September 25 and 26 at the Cardio-Thoracic and Neuro Sciences (CN) Centre of GMCH.

The procedures were performed by the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery under the supervision of Dr Ritwik Raj Bhuyan, a renowned cardiac surgeon and Assam’s first robotic cardiac surgery specialist. The introduction of robotic technology for complex cardiac procedures at GMCH is expected to expand access to advanced treatment for heart patients in the state.

A two-day Cardiac Robotic Surgery Workshop was also organised at the CN Centre from September 25 to 26. Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal attended the workshop and highlighted the importance of incorporating advanced medical technologies into the state’s healthcare institutions.

Singhal said the Assam government has been focusing on strengthening and modernising the healthcare system and ensuring that people can access advanced medical treatment within the state. He described the commencement of robotic cardiac surgery at GMCH as an important step towards that objective.

The minister also stressed the need for medical institutions to keep pace with rapid developments in medical science. He said the combination of advanced technology and the expertise of specialised doctors could create new opportunities for providing better treatment to patients in Assam.

During the workshop, Dr Bhuyan trained cardiologists and doctors of GMCH in various aspects of robotic surgery, including the use of robotic technology, surgical techniques and modern cardiac surgical procedures.

Director of Medical Education Dr Manoj Kumar Choudhury, GMCH Principal Dr Babul Bezbaruah, Superintendent Dr Debajit Choudhury, along with several doctors and healthcare professionals, attended the workshop.

Dr Bhuyan has worked as a cardiac surgeon for the past 27 years at leading hospitals in Australia, Manchester in the UK and Delhi. He is currently Director of Adult Cardiac Surgery at Fortis Escorts Hospital in Okhla, New Delhi.

The launch of robotic cardiac surgery at GMCH marks an expansion of advanced cardiac treatment facilities in Assam, bringing together modern technology, specialised surgical expertise and trained healthcare professionals.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash