IRCAD India, a mirror institute of IRCAD France (Strasbourg), was inaugurated on November 24th in collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) in Indore. This marks the establishment of the first Indian centre of excellence solely devoted to training and research & development in the realm of minimally invasive surgery. It adds to the existing Six IRCAD mirror institutes worldwide.

IRCAD India is poised to become one of the world's largest animal and cadaver labs in the SAARC region, boasting 42 state-of-the-art stations equipped with robotics, 3D, and 4K technology. This cutting-edge facility will serve as a global hub, providing advanced training to surgeons from around the world in the latest surgical techniques.

Dr Mohit Bhandari a renowned Indian bariatric surgeon globally known for his work in Bariatric and robot-assisted surgery will lead the centre as the President of IRCAD India.

Speaking on IRCAD India’s vision Dr. Mohit Bhandari, President IRCAD India said, "Both the institutions will be able to share their expertise in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR). Apart from this, surgical training of IRCAD will also be given in SAIMS, which will directly benefit the doctors and surgeons of Indore and entire India including SAARC countries. This collaboration anticipates the establishment of at least 20 new startups in India dedicated to producing medical devices for research and development."

The signing ceremony for the joint venture witnessed the presence of Prof. Jacques Marescaux, the President of IRCAD Global, who expressed his admiration for the exceptional infrastructure and facilities at SAIMS. 

Under the distinguished chairmanship of Dr Mohit Bhandari, the IRCAD India board features eminent individuals such as Dr Vinod Bhandari, Chairman IRCAD India, and Dr Mahak Bhandari, Vice President IRCAD India. IRCAD India is slated to commence operations in 2024.