Overview
The International Endoscopic & Robotic Cardiac Surgery Conference (IERCSC 2026) was held over two days at the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR), India's first free private rural medical college. Organized by SMSIMSR under the One World One Family Mission in association with Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata and SS Innovations, the event positioned the rural campus as a global platform for minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.
Landmark Live Procedure
Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder and Chairman of SS Innovations, performed a remote robotic heart surgery from Delhi using the indigenous SSI Mantra robotic surgical platform on a patient at SMSIMSR. The patient remained stable after the procedure. Additional live robotic surgeries were streamed from Coimbatore, India and Greece, allowing real‑time interaction among international surgical teams.
International Participation and Scientific Sessions
The conference attracted leading cardiac surgeons, researchers, academicians and medical students from India, the United States, Greece, Germany, Brazil, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ukraine and several other countries. Scientific sessions covered robotic valve replacement, valve repair, coronary artery bypass grafting and other minimally invasive cardiac procedures, while experts discussed emerging technologies reshaping heart care worldwide.
Hands‑On Training
More than 100 senior cardiac surgeons participated in intensive wet‑lab training using bovine and porcine heart models under the guidance of international faculty, gaining practical experience in advanced robotic and endoscopic cardiac surgery. The training, which typically costs between ₹18 lakh and ₹20 lakh per participant, was provided completely free of charge under the One World One Family Mission.
Strategic Discussions and MoU
A key panel titled "How India Can Become a Global Hub for Endoscopic and Robotic Cardiac Surgery Training" emphasized the need to strengthen specialised training, promote indigenous medical technology and expand affordable access to robotic surgery. At the conclusion of the conference, SMSIMSR, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata and SS Innovations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to organise the conference biennially and jointly promote education, research and training in robotic and endoscopic cardiac surgery.
Statements from Leaders
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder of the One World One Family Mission, highlighted the transformation of a previously infrastructure‑limited region into a globally recognised centre for medical education, research and rural healthcare. Organising Secretary Dr. C. S. Hiremath noted that SMSIMSR is the only free medical college in India to have successfully performed remote robotic cardiac surgery while also offering free robotic cardiac surgery training nationwide. Dr. Sudhir Srivastava asserted that indigenous robotic technology can revolutionise cardiac care by making advanced procedures more accessible and affordable. Dr. Nitin Rajput added that affordability will be the key driver for widespread adoption of robotic heart surgery in India.
Conclusion
The conference ended with a shared commitment among leading surgeons and institutions to deepen international collaboration, strengthen surgical education and accelerate the adoption of robotic cardiac surgery, reinforcing India's growing role as a global destination for advanced, affordable and accessible cardiac care.