Robotic Surgery Marks a New Milestone in Chhattisgarh’s Healthcare: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, Sept 2025 — Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday inaugurated ‘Dev Hast’, the first robotic surgical system installed at a government health institution in central India, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur.

Calling it a historic moment, the Chief Minister said, “Robotic surgery is a new dimension in the development of healthcare facilities in Chhattisgarh. This milestone will ensure advanced and world-class treatment for patients in the state.”

CM Sai personally performed the first dry lab dissection on ‘Dev Hast’ to formally launch the system. He also announced the construction of a fully equipped residential facility for patients’ relatives at AIIMS Raipur, ensuring comfort for families traveling from distant regions.

Reflecting on his long association with AIIMS Raipur, Sai recalled his days as a Member of Parliament, when he had urged former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to approve an AIIMS branch in Chhattisgarh to ease pressure on AIIMS Delhi. “It was necessary to make advanced healthcare accessible in other states, and it is our good fortune that Chhattisgarh was among the six states chosen,” he said.

Sai emphasized the importance of family accommodation facilities, citing his efforts as an MP when his Delhi residence was nicknamed ‘Mini AIIMS’ for providing shelter to patients’ attendants. “Public service has always been close to my heart,” he added, noting his contribution of nearly ₹12 crore from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to assist patients during his 2014–2019 parliamentary term.

Highlighting the state government’s progress in healthcare, Sai said that five new medical colleges have been approved in the past 20 months, bringing the total to 15 today, compared to just one at the time of Chhattisgarh’s formation. A 5,000-bed “Medicity” is also under construction in Naya Raipur.

Acknowledging rising cases of critical illnesses such as cancer due to lifestyle and dietary changes, Sai underlined the importance of affordable healthcare. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, free treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh is provided to economically weaker sections. Now, under the Vay Vandhan Yojana, patients above 70 years of age across all categories are also eligible for the benefit.

Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said, “As healthcare facilities expand, the spectrum of diseases also widens. Robotic surgery holds special significance in modern medicine, enhancing precision and quality. Chhattisgarh will greatly benefit from the ‘Dev Hast’ system, and robotic surgery will soon be available at Raipur’s Mekahara Hospital as well.”

During the event, CM Sai presented a prize of ₹5,000 to Ms. Jyotsna Kiradu, winner of the competition to name the robotic surgical system.

AIIMS Raipur Director and CEO Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. Ashok Jindal, department head Dr. Devjyoti Mohanty, medical students, and distinguished citizens attended the inauguration.