INDIA: In a remarkable endeavor to make surgeries more accessible, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, a distinguished cardiologist and founder of SS Innovations, has returned to India from the United States with a mission. Witnessing a patient’s struggle to afford surgery ignited a passion within him to develop an indigenous surgical robot, SSI Mantra, that is revolutionizing healthcare in India.
The inspiration for this groundbreaking project stemmed from the plight of a 22-year-old girl diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. Unable to afford the necessary surgery, her predicament moved Dr. Sudhir Srivastava to embark on a journey to make surgeries more affordable for those facing financial constraints.
Putting his practice on hold in 2013, Dr. Sudhir invested his savings to establish a research and development team. Despite facing challenges and a lack of financial support, including selling personal belongings, he remained steadfast in his vision to create accessible healthcare solutions for his country.
The initial version, SSI Mantra, paved the way for an enhanced model, SSI Mantra 2, designed to be user-friendly, ergonomic, and feature-rich for both surgeons and the assisting team. Surgeries utilizing this innovative system cost one-third less than traditional manual procedures. Since its launch in 2022, the robotic system has facilitated 500 successful surgeries in India.
Undeterred by challenges, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava is now planning to modify a truck to accommodate the robotic system, allowing medical camps to reach the remotest areas of the country. His dedication and commitment underscore a transformative journey to democratize essential healthcare and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
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