Tamil Nadu has long set benchmarks in healthcare excellence — and now, it adds another feather to its cap. In a landmark moment for the state and South India, Tamil Nadu successfully conducted its first telesurgery across a distance of 340 km, from Salem to Chennai, showcasing its growing leadership in tech-integrated healthcare.
The milestone surgery was conducted as part of TNASICON 2025, the annual conference of the Association of Surgeons of India – Tamil Nadu Chapter (ASI-TN). Dr. Parimuthukumar, Clinical Lead – Department of Robotic Surgery, Prashanth Group of Hospitals, performed the surgery remotely from Dharan Hospitals, Salem, operating on a patient located at Prashanth Hospitals, Velachery, Chennai. This is the first telesurgery of its kind in South India, and a pioneering step in remote surgical practice.
The patient, a 45-year-old male was diagnosed with a hernia and admitted to Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai. The surgical procedure, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, was performed using advanced robotic-assisted technology. While Dr. Parimuthukumar operated remotely, a skilled team of supporting surgeons and technical experts stationed at the Chennai end ensured a smooth and safe surgical process.
Lauding this milestone achievement, Dr. P. Sundarraj, Chairman – TNASI, said "Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of medical innovation, and this telesurgery is a proud milestone that reflects our commitment to future-ready healthcare. I congratulate Dr. Parimuthukumar and the teams at Prashanth Hospitals and Dharan Hospitals for this pioneering effort that paves the way for accessible surgical care across geographies.”
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. G. Prashanth Krishna, Director – Prashanth Group of Hospitals, said "At Prashanth Hospitals, we believe in driving innovation that directly benefits patients. This milestone telesurgery is not only a technological achievement but a reflection of our constant efforts to make healthcare smarter, safer, and more accessible. We thank ASI for their support and congratulate Dr. Parimuthukumar and the entire team for this remarkable feat.”
Adding to this, Dr. Parimuthukumar, Clinical Lead – Department of Robotic Surgery, Prashanth Group of Hospitals, said "Telesurgeries represent a breakthrough in eliminating geographical barriers to expert surgical care. This procedure was made possible by Tamil Nadu’s strong digital and medical infrastructure, combined with the collaborative efforts of both hospitals. The patient responded well, and this sets a strong precedent for what’s possible in remote surgeries. I extend my sincere gratitude to Prashanth Hospitals Dharan hospital and ASI for making this momentous achievement possible.”
Dr V Selvaraj, Managing Director Dharan Hospitals, said: "This achievement is a proud moment not just for us, but for Tamil Nadu’s entire medical fraternity. By connecting Salem to Chennai through telesurgery, we have shown that expert surgical care can now transcend geography. It’s a testament to what is possible when cutting-edge technology, skilled expertise, and a shared vision for accessible healthcare come together. We are honoured to have partnered with Prashanth Hospitals and ASI-TN in setting this new benchmark for patient care in South India."
The successful completion of this telesurgery is a clear indication of the growing adoption of robotics and remote technology in healthcare. Tamil Nadu’s proactive stance in healthcare digitization, coupled with institutions like Prashanth Hospitals, is helping lay the foundation for future-forward treatment models. As India prepares to bridge healthcare access gaps, this milestone points to a future where expert care is just a click — not kilometers — away.