Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) Achieves Historic Milestone with the Launch of SSI Mantra 3.0 and First Robotic Cardiac Surgery

Mangalore, August 28 2025: Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) hosted the launch of Yenepoya Medical College Hospital's second surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra 3.0, on the evening of August 28, 2025, at Vivanta, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, surgeons, and stakeholders. The celebrations marked the dawn of a new era in surgical excellence.

The University achieved a historic milestone by successfully performing its first robotic cardiac surgery, coinciding with the launch of the SSI Mantra 3.0 Robotic Surgery Unit at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital. The advanced procedure was performed under the leadership of internationally renowned robotic surgeon Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder Chairman, SS Innovations International.

The event commenced with a video message from Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor, who conveyed his best wishes on the launch of the indigenous robotic system and reiterated that this was a major step in the University's pursuit of excellence.

Dr. Habib Rahaman A.A., Medical Superintendent, welcomed the gathering, celebrating the arrival of SSI Mantra 3.0, which would enable precision surgery at an affordable cost. He extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Mr. H. V. Darshan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, D.K., Mangalore, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, along with Mr. Farhaad Yenepoya, Pro Chancellor; Dr. M. Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor; Dr. M.A. Wani, Sr. Consultant; and other distinguished guests.

The journey of robotic surgery at Yenepoya was highlighted through a special video presentation by Dr. Jalaluddin Akbar, showcasing the evolution from the Da Vinci system to the indigenously developed SSI Mantra, which stands on par with global standards.

In his address, Dr. M. Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor, described the achievement as a "dream come true," recalling the vision set nearly a decade ago. He expressed gratitude to the Chancellor, Pro- Chancellor, and Dr. Srivastava for making advanced robotic surgery accessible in a medical college hospital setting, rather than confining it to corporate hospitals. He further highlighted the University's growth, with over 100 faculty members, 140 academic programs, and a 1,100-bedded multispecialty teaching hospital, now enhanced with cutting-edge robotic surgical facilities.

Chief Guest Shri H. V. Darshan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, virtually launched the SSI Mantra Robotic System. In his remarks, he commended the University's pioneering role in healthcare and technology, noting that innovations such as robotic cardiac surgery represent the future of advanced medical care. He emphasized that technology is the greatest driver of change, stating that in the future, when people look back at the progress of robotic technology in the region, they will remember this historic day.

Dr. Sudhir Srivastava expressed his gratitude to Yenepoya's leadership and shared his vision of making robotic surgery affordable, innovative, and inclusive. He reflected on his journey from decades in the U.S. back to India, driven by his commitment to serve his motherland. Highlighting the successful execution of 50 telesurgeries across India and abroad, he announced his contribution of a robotic system at no cost to Yenepoya's Cardiac Department in the coming months.

In his Presidential Address, the Chancellor reiterated Yenepoya's mission of combining compassion with innovation, emphasizing the University's role in delivering advanced yet affordable healthcare under government health schemes. He said, "Every achievement is a milestone in the journey of fulfilling the dreams of my father, Late Yenepoya Moideen Kunhi, to provide quality professional education and healthcare, making it accessible to all."

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Mujeeb Rahiman, who expressed gratitude to the SSI Innovations team, surgeons, collaborators, and officers of the University including Dr. Sripathy Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr. Gangadhara Somayaji, Registrar; Finance Officer; cardiologists; surgeons; unit heads; and all other attendees who made this landmark achievement possible.

About Yenepoya Medical College Hospital (YMCH): Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru, is a premier 1,000+ bed multi-specialty teaching hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced clinical facilities. As a referral center for the region, YMCH combines compassionate patient care with cutting-edge treatments, including robotic surgery, organ transplantation, oncology, cardiology, and critical care. With a strong focus on accessibility, the hospital provides affordable healthcare through government and insurance schemes while also serving as a training hub for future medical professionals from India and abroad.

About Yenepoya (Deemed to be University): Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), accredited with NAAC A+, is a leading institution of academic and healthcare excellence in Mangaluru. Ranked 95th in India by NIRF 2024, with its Dental College at 26th nationally, the university spans 11 constituent institutions across five campuses, offering diverse programs from Medicine and Dentistry to Allied Health, Science, and Engineering. Recognized by NABH for its Sustainability & Green Initiatives, Yenepoya continues to drive innovation in education and healthcare.

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