In a landmark moment for Indian healthcare, Dr. Rooma Sinha, Senior Gynaecologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, has become the first gynaecologist in India to complete over 1,000 robotic surgeries—a feat that symbolizes the future of minimally invasive, tech-assisted medicine for women.
From being a lone crusader advocating for robotic intervention in gynaecology to training the next generation of surgeons, Dr. Sinha’s journey has redefined the landscape of women’s health in India.
Revolutionizing Surgery: One Robotic Arm at a Time
Robotic surgery, often misunderstood as “machine-run,” is actually controlled 100% by the surgeon from a console. With robotic arms mimicking the dexterity of a human wrist—but with far greater precision—surgeries that once required large incisions can now be done through tiny cuts.
Benefits include:
Minimal blood loss
Reduced pain and scarring
Faster recovery and discharge
Better outcomes in complex cases like fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility
Dr. Sinha’s approach has helped hundreds of women heal faster, with fewer complications and better post-operative quality of life.
“It’s not the robot that performs the surgery—it’s my eyes, my hands, my experience. The technology just enhances it,” she explains.
Trailblazing Through Doubts and Barriers
A decade ago, robotic surgery was virtually unknown in Indian gynaecology. Patients were skeptical. Colleagues were cautious. Training centers were scarce. But Dr. Sinha pushed forward—traveling abroad to learn, bringing global experts to India, and building a training system for younger doctors.
“People thought the robot operated on its own. I had to convince every patient, one at a time,” she recalls.
Today, her work has made robotic surgery more affordable and accessible, even for women from small towns.
A Woman’s Advocate in Every Sense
Beyond the operating theatre, Dr. Sinha is also a vocal advocate for women’s health awareness. She speaks openly about the stigma around reproductive issues—and the fear many women have around surgery.
“Too many women silently suffer. We must create awareness that surgery doesn’t have to be scary anymore,” she says.
For women battling obesity, repeated miscarriages, or severe pelvic pain, robotic surgery offers a safe, fertility-preserving option that changes lives.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for India
While robotic surgery is still concentrated in metro hospitals, Dr. Sinha is on a mission to democratize it. Her dream: a network of trained doctors bringing robotic expertise to rural India, and eventually, telesurgery that allows skilled surgeons to guide operations remotely.
“Technology must bridge gaps—not widen them. Every woman, no matter where she lives, deserves the best possible care,” she says.
Changing the Conversation
Despite completing 1,000+ successful procedures, Dr. Sinha still answers basic questions every day: “Is it safe?” “Will the robot hurt me?” “Is it expensive?” Her answer remains the same: informed choice and trust in medical advancement.
As India strengthens its medical infrastructure, Dr. Sinha’s achievement serves as both inspiration and blueprint—a future where cutting-edge technology and compassionate care go hand in hand.
India’s women deserve more than tradition—they deserve precision. And with leaders like Dr. Rooma Sinha, that future is already here.
