As part of an initiative to expand access to advanced surgical care, Dr Sudhir Prem Srivastava, Founding Chairman of the SSI group of companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to donate the SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System to the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR) in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka. The SSI Mantra is India’s first indigenously developed robotic surgery platform. The MoU signing ceremony took place at the SS Innovations International Headquarters in Gurugram and was attended by Sadguru Madhusudan Sai.
The collaboration is intended to establish a Robotic Cardiac Surgery Centre at SMSIMSR and develop the institute into a training hub for robotic surgery across multiple disciplines. These include adult and paediatric cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, general surgery, urology, gynaecology, and head and neck surgery.
SMSIMSR has a healthcare model that prioritises delivery of medical services without regard to a patient’s economic background. The partnership aims to support equitable access to robotic-assisted surgeries and create avenues for clinical research and training. The broader objective is to increase the reach and effectiveness of robotic surgical care in India, particularly in underserved regions.
As part of the MoU, Dr Srivastava will support the first 100 robotic surgeries at the institute, cover the maintenance cost of the donated system for five years, and lead training programmes for surgical teams across specialities. This includes cardiac and non-cardiac domains.
Dr Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations International Inc., said, “My collaboration with SMSIMSR exemplifies the spirit of service and innovation. By combining cutting-edge, indigenously developed technology with a mission rooted in inclusive and accessible healthcare, we are taking a meaningful step toward transforming surgical care in India. The ultimate goal is not just to advance the field of robotic surgery, but to ensure that its life-saving benefits reach underserved and rural communities that need it the most.”
Sadguru Madhusudan Sai added, “We are honoured to welcome Dr Sudhir Srivastava as an Honorary Professor at SMSIMSR, his global expertise and visionary leadership will be invaluable in shaping the future of robotic surgery in India. This partnership marks a new chapter in our journey to make quality healthcare a fundamental right, not a privilege. By integrating advanced surgical technologies with a compassionate care model, we are bridging the gap between innovation and inclusion.”
The collaboration reflects a shared focus on healthcare equity, training, and responsible technology deployment. SMSIMSR and SS Innovations will jointly work to build sustainable healthcare delivery using robotic systems, with a focus on benefiting rural and economically disadvantaged populations.