Mohali, July 10 -- Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), Chandigarh, has become the first government hospital in the state to perform over 100 robotic cancer surgeries in less than six months, with all procedures provided free of cost to patients. HBCHRC is a unit of Tata Memorial Centre under the department of atomic energy, government of India. The robotic surgery facility was announced in August last year during the Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave by Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. HBCHRC director Dr Ashish Gulia said robotic surgery is available at only a limited number of hospitals across North India. He said that the hospital had pledged to offer free robotic surgeries to the first 80 patients at the time of launching the facility. "We not only fulfilled that commitment but successfully completed 100 robotic surgeries in less than six months, with all patients receiving treatment at no additional cost," he said. Dr Vikram Singh, head of the department of oncosurgery, and oncosurgeon Dr Arvind Guru said robotic surgery does not replace the surgeon, who remains in complete control throughout the procedure. They said the technology enables greater precision in difficult-to-access areas through minimal keyhole incisions, resulting in reduced blood loss, less post-operative pain and faster recovery....