Medical Breakthrough Links Guyana and India by Robot

A medical breakthrough spanning continents has placed Guyana at the centre of global surgical innovation after doctors completed what is being described as the world’s longest distance robotic cardiac telesurgery.

The procedure connected Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation with a hospital in India over a distance of approximately 20,000 kilometres, using fibre optic communication to enable real time surgical control across borders. The operation took place at 6:00 AM when renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava, Founder of SS Innovations, performed a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft remotely from Guyana on a patient located in India.

Dr Srivastava operated from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation using the SSI Mantra 3 robotic surgical system, a platform developed by SS Innovations that integrates high speed connectivity, 3D visualisation and precision robotic arms. Although the surgeon was physically in Guyana, he controlled the procedure in India with full remote access to the surgical tools.

On the ground in India, Dr Lalit Malik and Dr Mohit Bhandari provided essential surgical and patient support, ensuring continuous monitoring and assisting throughout the operation. Healthcare teams in both countries coordinated closely, with local medical staff in Guyana supporting the remote operation environment.

The patient in India underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, commonly known as heart bypass surgery, which was completed successfully under the remote guidance of Dr Srivastava. Medical officials described the collaboration as a significant demonstration of how robotic systems can bridge vast distances in critical care.

Speaking at a post surgery press briefing, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali hailed the achievement as a transformative moment for the country’s health sector. “We have leaped to 2050 and beyond,” he said, highlighting the technological advancement on display.

The president also referred to the system as “Mantra Freedom 60,” renaming the SSI Mantra 3 Robotic Surgical System in honour of Guyana’s independence milestone. He emphasised that the innovation supports a wider national vision to modernise healthcare, reduce overseas medical referrals and position Guyana as a competitive force in global medical technology.

Officials described the operation as a national first and a landmark moment in medical science, bringing international recognition to Guyana for its role in advancing remote surgical capability.

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