Tanda Doctors Perform Himachal’s First Robotic Gallbladder Surgery

A major leap forward in healthcare innovation

In a landmark medical achievement, doctors at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (DRPGMC), Tanda, successfully performed Himachal Pradesh’s first robotic gallbladder surgery on Saturday — a breakthrough that marks a significant advancement in the state’s healthcare technology.

The procedure was performed on a 26-year-old woman from Shahpur in Kangra district, who was suffering from gallstones. The operation was led by Dr. Mahendra Rana, a laparoscopic and robotic surgeon trained at AIIMS, New Delhi, with assistance from Dr. Varsha and Dr. Aryan from the Department of Anaesthesiology.

College Principal Dr. Milap Sharma and Head of the Department of Surgery Dr. Sanjeev Sharma congratulated the surgical team, calling the feat “a reflection of the institute’s growing technical excellence and progressive vision in modern medicine.”

Tanda Medical College recently became the second government medical institution in Himachal Pradesh to set up a robotic surgery facility, inaugurated last month by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

“This is the first robotic gallbladder surgery ever performed in Himachal Pradesh,” said Dr. Rana. “Our team carried out the entire procedure independently, without any external assistance. Robotic surgery offers greater precision, minimal invasiveness, less blood loss, and faster recovery,” he added, noting that the team plans to expand into more advanced robotic procedures soon.

Deputy Chief Whip and Shahpur MLA, Kewal Singh Pathania, hailed the accomplishment as “a moment of pride for the state,” emphasizing that the first robotic surgery conducted by a Himachali surgeon highlights the state’s growing medical capabilities.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, healthcare in Himachal is progressing rapidly despite limited resources,” Pathania added.