Advanced technology inaugurated for precision cancer surgeries

Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital marked a significant milestone in advanced healthcare on May 21, 2026, with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art KARL STORZ IMAGE1 S™ RUBINA® endoscopic visualization platform and the launch of the nationwide Podiatric Reach Across India for Awareness and Screening (PRAYAS) initiative.

The dual inauguration ceremony was conducted by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, in the presence of faculty members, administrators, healthcare professionals, and dignitaries associated with the medical institution and PRAYAS movement.

The newly introduced technology was commissioned by the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Father Muller Oncology Centre under the leadership of Professor Dr. Rohanchandra R. Gatty. The advanced laparoscopic system is expected to significantly enhance minimally invasive oncological surgeries and improve patient care standards at the institution.

Rev. Fr. Faustine formally blessed and dedicated the system to the department, highlighting the institution’s continued commitment towards compassionate, patient-centric, and technologically advanced healthcare services.

RUBINA® platform to enhance surgical precision

Speaking during the programme, Dr. Rohanchandra R. Gatty explained the growing demand for advanced oncological surgical services and emphasised the importance of precision-based technology in improving patient outcomes.

He stated that the KARL STORZ IMAGE1 S™ RUBINA® platform represents a major advancement in surgical oncology, particularly in complex minimally invasive procedures where accuracy and visual clarity are critical.

The newly installed platform integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies into a single system. It provides ultra-high-definition 4K imaging with enhanced brightness and superior colour representation, enabling surgeons to perform procedures with greater clarity and confidence.

One of the notable features of the platform is its 3D stereoscopic visualisation capability, which restores depth perception and spatial orientation during surgeries. This allows surgeons to carry out intricate procedures with enhanced precision.

The system also incorporates Near-Infrared/Indocyanine Green (NIR/ICG) fluorescence imaging technology. This feature enables real-time tissue assessment and helps surgeons identify important anatomical structures such as blood vessels and bile ducts more effectively during surgery.

In addition, the equipment includes the advanced Power LED Rubina® laser-free cold light source, designed for both white-light and NIR/ICG excitation. The technology is expected to be useful across multiple surgical specialities and further strengthen minimally invasive surgical care at the hospital.

Associate Professor Dr. Elroy Saldanha delivered the vote of thanks and expressed appreciation to the management for facilitating the procurement of the sophisticated equipment in response to the department’s expanding surgical requirements.

PRAYAS diabetic foot screening initiative launched

Following the commissioning of the surgical platform, the hospital also inaugurated the Diabetic Foot Screening Camp under the nationwide PRAYAS initiative.

The programme was organised by the Department of General Medicine in association with PRAYAS, recognised as India’s first national limb-preservation mission on wheels.

The inauguration was once again led by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo in the presence of Professor Dr. Smitha Bhat, Head of the Department of General Medicine, along with medical faculty and healthcare experts.

Dr. Srilakshmi M. Prabhu, Associate Professor of General Medicine and convenor of the programme, addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of early diabetic foot screening, timely diagnosis, and preventive care.

She highlighted the growing burden of diabetes-related complications in India and requested the operationalisation of the PRAYAS vehicle within the campus to facilitate large-scale screening and awareness activities among patients and the general public.

National movement against diabetes-related amputations

Several distinguished members associated with the PRAYAS movement participated in the programme. These included Dr. Pavan Belehalli, Orthopedic and Diabetic Foot Surgeon and Founder & Director of StrideAide; Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Pediatric Surgeon and Wound Care Specialist and Founder of FootSecure; Bharath Prakash, Project Manager of StrideAide and national coordination lead; Dr. Bharat Kumar Muralidhar, Project Lead; and Aruna V. S., Nurse and PRAYAS D-PoC Lead.

Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, was also present during the occasion and coordinated arrangements for the commissioning and inaugural ceremonies.

PRAYAS is a nationwide campaign aimed at combating diabetes-related amputations through awareness programmes, community screening, policy advocacy, and clinician engagement.

The initiative plans to traverse 62 cities across India over seven months, covering more than 10,000 kilometres through 124 events. The campaign seeks to bring together clinicians, institutions, policymakers, and communities to preserve mobility and prevent avoidable limb loss.

According to organisers, India currently has more than 101 million people living with diabetes, placing over 202 million limbs at risk. The country witnesses nearly 1.4 lakh major amputations annually due to diabetes-related complications. Experts also noted that the five-year mortality rate after major amputations can reach nearly 70 per cent.

Healthcare professionals associated with PRAYAS emphasised that early screening, timely intervention, patient education, and preventive treatment can significantly reduce complications arising from diabetic foot disease.

Institution reaffirms commitment to advanced healthcare

By integrating advanced surgical technology with proactive public healthcare initiatives, Father Muller Medical College Hospital has once again reinforced its reputation as a leading healthcare institution focused on innovation and compassionate service.

The simultaneous launch of the advanced RUBINA® surgical platform and the PRAYAS initiative reflects the institution’s broader mission of combining technological excellence with community-oriented healthcare solutions.

Medical experts at the institution expressed confidence that both initiatives would contribute significantly towards improving cancer treatment outcomes and reducing diabetes-related complications in the region and beyond.