Lucknow: KGMU has started robotic surgeries under a pay-per-use system that allows patients to pay a fixed amount depending on how many ports (entry points for surgical tools) are used during the operation. The robotic surgery service has begun in the general surgery department and in the first-floor operation theatre of Shatabdi Phase-I.For two ports, the charge is Rs 69,620; for three ports, Rs 79,620; and for four ports, Rs 1.09 lakh. These charges include payment to the robotic machine company and extra costs for the smooth operation of the facility. Officials said KGMU is trying to get Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds so that patients don’t have to pay the machine company’s fee in the future. The fee in private hospitals starts from Rs 2 lakh for robotic procedures.KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said: “Robotic surgeries can be done using single-port or multi-port techniques. These methods have many benefits over traditional surgery, but some challenges remain. The decision on which type of surgery to use depends on several factors. The cost and availability of robotic tools and trained staff also affect the choice.”Singh said all robotic surgeries must be done under the supervision of a trained mentor. Patients must give separate written consent for robotic surgery. Patients will be given a payment slip by the resident doctor, which will mention details like their name, age, gender, diagnosis, procedure, surgeon’s name and number of ports. Payment must be made at the hospital’s cash counter under the KGMU User Charge Account. Only after submitting the receipt will the surgery be scheduled.“For transparency, all details of each robotic surgery will be recorded by the OT in-charge in a register,” said Singh.
