Bhubaneshwar : In a major development for healthcare in Odisha, HCG Cancer Centre, Cuttack, has introduced the SSI Mantra Robotic Surgical System, making it the first comprehensive cancer hospital in the state to offer indigenously developed, robotic-assisted oncology surgery. The state-of-the-art, Made-in-India platform is engineered to assist surgical teams in performing complex, minimally invasive procedures with elevated levels of precision, dexterity and visualization. By integrating this technology into its clinical operations, the hospital aims to bring next-generation surgical care directly to local residents, drastically reducing the burden on patients and families who previously had to travel out of state for advanced cancer treatments.
Dr. Rupali Basu, Regional Business Head East & AP at HCG Cancer Hospitals, highlighted that launching the SSI Mantra system in Cuttack represents a major milestone in democratizing access to high-tech medical care across Odisha. She noted that robotic assistance provides surgical teams with superior control during intricate operations while enabling minimally invasive options for suitable candidates without forcing them to seek care outside their home region.
Underscoring the institutional impact, Dr. Smita Padhi, CEO of HCG Cancer Centre, Cuttack, described the deployment as the fulfillment of a long-term commitment to the region. She emphasized that bringing world-class surgical tools locally relieves stress for families during challenging times and validates the trust patients place in the hospital’s medical team.
From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Manjunath N. M. L., Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology, framed the robotic system as a powerful addition to a surgeon’s technical toolkit, particularly when executing intricate interventions where accessibility and fine control are essential. He stressed that the platform enhances a doctor’s visual and physical capabilities, though clinical judgment and individualized patient assessment will always dictate its deployment.
Initially, the SSI Mantra platform will be utilized for select cases across key specialties such as uro-oncology, colorectal and gastrointestinal oncology and gynecologic oncology, alongside other identified procedures. The technology acts as an extension of the surgeon’s hands, refining instrument movement and visual feedback during minimally invasive interventions. Hospital leadership clarified that every robotic procedure will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s specific cancer type, stage and overall health status.
Dr. Vikash Nayak, Consultant Surgical Oncology at the center, called the launch a transformative moment for local oncology, pointing out that enhanced precision and control translate directly into patient benefits like reduced physical trauma and faster post-operative recovery.
Similarly, Dr. Sangram Keshari Panda, Consultant Surgical Oncology, observed that the platform allows complex tumors to be treated through minimal incisions, expanding the range of advanced treatment avenues available within the state.
Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Swain, Consultant Surgical Oncology, added that while the SSI Mantra expands the hospital’s technological capacity, the overarching goal remains delivering tailored, evidence-based care that suits each individual patient’s medical needs.
Robotic-assisted surgery integrates human expertise with 3D visualization and enhanced articulation, allowing specialists to operate through tiny incisions. For qualified cancer patients, this approach offers distinct advantages over traditional open procedures, including lower blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, fewer complications and shorter stays in the hospital, enabling a quicker return to routine activities.
The robotic surgery initiative at HCG Cancer Centre, Cuttack, is driven by a senior surgical team featuring Dr. Vikash Nayak, Dr. Sangram Keshari Panda and Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Swain, each bringing over ten years of dedicated surgical oncology experience. Through the deployment of the SSI Mantra platform, HCG Cancer Centre continues to elevate the benchmark of regional cancer care in Odisha.
