Medtronic launches Mobile Surgical Training Lab to Expand MIS Skills in India’s Tier 2 Cities

The mobile facility is designed to function as a traveling surgical training unit, bringing simulation-based learning and hands-on skill development directly to hospitals and medical colleges outside major metropolitan centers.

Medtronic announced the launch of a Mobile Surgi-skill Lab in India aimed at expanding access to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) training for young surgeons and resident doctors in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where exposure to advanced surgical education remains limited.

The mobile facility is designed to function as a traveling surgical training unit, bringing simulation-based learning and hands-on skill development directly to hospitals and medical colleges outside major metropolitan centers. According to the company, the initiative seeks to reduce geographic disparities in access to structured surgical training.

The Mobile Surgi-skill Lab is equipped with simulation systems, video-assisted surgical tools, and training models that allow participants to practice both basic and advanced MIS techniques. The curriculum includes structured modules tailored to regional clinical requirements, along with supervised hands-on sessions and post-training support.

Mandeep Singh Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President, Medtronic India, said the initiative is focused on expanding training access beyond large cities. “By taking surgical training to medical colleges in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, we aim to address long-standing gaps in skill development,” he said.

Access to specialised surgical training in India has traditionally been concentrated in metro-based institutions, limiting exposure for surgeons practicing in smaller cities. Industry experts have flagged this imbalance as a factor affecting the adoption of minimally invasive techniques in regional healthcare facilities.

The company said the mobile lab will operate as a temporary on-site training center, allowing surgeons to participate without extended travel or disruption to clinical duties. Each engagement will include mentorship support from experienced faculty members, along with structured practice sessions.

Medtronic has partnered with regional medical associations and healthcare institutions to deploy the lab across selected locations. As part of its initial rollout, the company plans to cover 10 tier 2 cities over the next 12 months. Further expansion will depend on operational feedback and regional demand.

Minimally invasive procedures are increasingly being adopted across specialties due to shorter recovery times and reduced complication rates, but uneven access to training remains a challenge in non-metro regions. The mobile training model is intended to bridge this gap by providing standardised exposure closer to the point of care.

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