Brings advanced orthopaedic care closer to smaller cities

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

FARIDABAD, JUNE 19, 2026

In a landmark step towards democratizing access to advanced orthopaedic care, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, has introduced India’s first Tele-Proctor Robotic Surgery Program for knee replacement procedures. The innovative initiative enables expert robotic surgeons to remotely guide local surgeons in real time, making cutting-edge robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery accessible to patients in Tier-II and Tier-III cities while reducing travel costs and improving treatment outcomes.

As robotic-assisted knee replacement continues to redefine orthopedic care through greater precision and faster recovery, tele-proctoring is emerging as a transformative solution for bridging healthcare gaps. The mentorship-driven program is designed to provide patient-centric, home-based care by allowing experienced robotic surgeons to supervise complex procedures remotely, ensuring safety, accuracy, and clinical excellence.

The effectiveness of the initiative was recently demonstrated when a 67-year-old woman from Palwal, Haryana, successfully underwent a tele-proctored robotic knee replacement surgery. The procedure was performed by Dr. Inderjeet Singh at his hospital in Palwal under real-time remote guidance from Dr. Anurag Aggarwal, who was stationed at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.

Dr. Anurag Aggarwal, Clinical Director and Head - Orthopaedics & Robotic Joint Replacement, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said, “Today Tele-Proctoring is bridging the gap between technical training and real-world surgical mastery by directing surgeons through live procedures under the supervision of experienced robotic experts. During robotic knee replacement procedures, it significantly improves surgeon confidence, procedural accuracy, and overall patient experience."

Dr. Anurag Aggarwal further added, “We as proctor have operated on 3-4 cases of knee replacement using robotic technology in cities like Palwal and So on. This new advancement is called ‘Tele-Proctorship’ where a skilled Robotic surgeon can perform a surgery from a distance. This new advancement is a win-win situation for the patient as well as the surgeon. One of the main challenges of robotic joint surgery is Pre-operative planning (It decides the limb alignment, implant sizing and implant positioning) and calculating the Gap Balancing (It gives stability to knee during full range of movement) which actually proves the outcome of the surgery. In Tele-Proctorship the skilled surgeon performs all these from a distance and the outcome is also positive."

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr. Navneet Singh Chhabra, Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, added, “We are proud to offer specialized services like Tele-proctoring for treating patients suffering from knee joint problems in tier2 and tier 3 cities. This achievement reflects our continuous focus on transforming the lives of people and providing them quality of life through world-class healthcare services and clinical expertise. We are committed to deliver advanced, safe, and patient-centric care. Our vision is to make these services available to patients across the globe.”

Dr. Inderjit Singh, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Gurunanak Hospital, Palwal, said, “Being part of this tele-proctored robotic knee replacement surgery marks a significant step towards making advanced orthopaedic care accessible beyond metro cities. With the support and guidance of experts through Tele-robotic technology, we were able to deliver precision-driven treatment to the patient here in Palwal. This achievement reflects how innovation and collaboration can bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient outcomes.”

Tele-proctoring leverages advanced telecommunications technology integrated with fully automated robotic platforms such as MISSO, enabling real-time surgical guidance, secure connectivity, and enhanced procedural precision. The technology allows expert surgeons to remotely monitor and support operations with exceptional accuracy, paving the way for wider adoption of robotic surgery in smaller cities and underserved regions.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in India's healthcare landscape, demonstrating how digital innovation and robotic technology can expand access to world-class surgical expertise, regardless of geography. As tele-proctored robotic procedures gain momentum, they have the potential to transform orthopaedic care delivery across the country and bring advanced treatment options closer to patients' homes.