Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla has marked a significant milestone by successfully performing Himachal Pradesh's first robotic surgery for colon cancer on May 20. The patient, a migrant labourer from Kinnaur, is reportedly recovering well and resumed normal eating within four days post-surgery. This advanced procedure, described as highly complex by the medical team, offers notable benefits such as minimal blood loss, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional methods. The cost of the surgery at IGMC was approximately ₹30,000 (around $360 USD), significantly lower than the ₹5 lakh (about $6,000 USD) charged in private facilities, making it more accessible for economically weaker patients. To date, IGMC has performed 44 robotic surgeries, with plans to expand services to include more complex procedures. However, the hospital faces challenges in providing these surgeries for free due to high consumable costs. The introduction of affordable robotic surgery is expected to greatly benefit the underserved population in Himachal Pradesh, enhancing access to world-class healthcare within the state.