High-tech healthcare: KGMU launches robotic joint replacement system, AI-enabled MRI unit

LUCKNOW The King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Thursday inaugurated a range of advanced patient care facilities, including a robotic joint replacement system, an AI-enabled MRI unit and specialized rehabilitation services for children.

The university has become the first state medical institution in UP to introduce a robotic joint replacement facility, marking a major leap in precision-driven orthopedic care, officials said.

Vice Chancellor Soniya Nityanand described the initiative as part of a broader vision to transform KGMU into a future-ready, technology-driven and patient-centric institution. She emphasized plans to integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and precision medicine across departments, along with promoting AI-based medical education. Nityanand also acknowledged continued government support to strengthen infrastructure and enable access to advanced medical technologies, a press release shared with the media said.

Prof Ashish Kumar, head of the orthopedic surgery department, said robotic assistance will improve surgical accuracy and overall patient outcomes. Medical superintendent Prof Kumar Shantanu added that efforts are being made to ensure that such advanced treatments remain accessible, including to beneficiaries under government healthcare schemes, it said.

In another milestone, KGMU commissioned its second AI-enabled MRI machine with a 3 Tesla configuration, a facility officials claim is currently unavailable in any other government hospital in the state. The first MRI unit was installed in 2024. The addition of the second system is expected to improve diagnostic capabilities through faster and more precise imaging, which will aid both patient care and academic research, it further said.

The VC also inaugurated an occupational therapy and rehabilitation center under the pediatric orthopedic department. The facility aims to support children with cerebral palsy through structured rehabilitation programmes. Dr Vikas Verma said the center would help improve functional independence and overall quality of life for affected children. In addition, a 24-hour Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), conforming to NABH standards, has been inaugurated to improve infection control and surgical safety across the institution, it added.

With an acute shortage of resident doctors, the KGMU will begin a recruitment process for its trauma center with more than 400 beds. The university administration is preparing to issue an advertisement to fill vacant posts in the coming days, officials said.

The staffing crunch is affecting patient care at the Trauma Centre, which handles a daily influx of around 500 patients in the casualty department. Officials said the upcoming recruitment drive is expected to ease the burden and improve timely delivery of emergency medical services.

KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said a request has already been sent to the state government seeking doctors on deputation. At the same time, efforts are underway to fill positions through regular recruitment channels.

The shortage of resident doctors was a persistent problem across the state, especially after the establishment of many new medical colleges, which stretched the available workforce. The situation at the Trauma Center has worsened following the recent departure of several junior residents.

In March, 11 non-PG junior residents were appointed under a bond agreement and offered salaries exceeding ₹1 lakh per month to serve at the trauma center. However, within days, nine of them refused to continue, while the remaining two are currently on leave.