India’s surgical associations have urged uniform implementation of insurance coverage for robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) to improve patient access and affordability. Despite a 2024 directive from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandating coverage, inconsistent practices among insurers remain a barrier.
Robotic-assisted surgeries have grown rapidly across public and private hospitals due to their clinical benefits, including reduced complications and faster recovery.
However, gaps in insurance coverage—such as sub-limits and claim denials—continue to shift the financial burden to patients.
“The IRDAI mandate acknowledged the clinical value of robotic surgery. But we now need consistent coverage in policy and execution,” said Vivek Bindal, Chairman of the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (India Chapter).
He highlighted that RAS is linked to lower recurrence, reduced transfusions, and improved outcomes.
Rooma Sinha, Founder President of the Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons, India, emphasised the need for access to RAS in gynecological care.
“No woman should undergo open surgery when minimally invasive robotic options are available. Robotic surgery offers less trauma, faster recovery, and fewer complications,” she said.
Citing a recent study, Sinha noted that complications in gynecological robotic surgeries remain below 2%, supporting its clinical safety.
Despite the rising adoption of robotic surgeries and increasing patient preference, coverage inconsistencies force many patients to pay out of pocket.
“Many patients still opt for robotic-assisted surgery despite knowing insurance might not fully cover it. That shows the value they place on outcomes,” said Randeep Wadhawan, President of the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India.
The associations stressed the need for collaboration among insurers, hospitals, and policymakers. They called for insurance frameworks that reflect current clinical practices and ensure robotic-assisted surgery is treated as an essential, not optional, part of healthcare delivery.
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