Defence Secretary Inaugurates Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit and Maternity OT at Delhi Cantonment Hospital

In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure within defence civilian zones, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on April 23, 2026 inaugurated a state-of-the-art Robotic Orthopaedic System and a modern Maternity Operation Theatre at the Cantonment General Hospital in Delhi Cantt.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Director General of Defence Estates Smt. Shobha Gupta and other senior officials, marking a key milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise medical facilities in cantonment areas and expand access to advanced healthcare services for both residents and neighbouring communities.

Advanced Healthcare Comes to Cantonment Areas

The newly introduced facilities are expected to significantly elevate the quality of care available at the hospital, which serves a large population in and around Delhi Cantonment.

Addressing the gathering, the Defence Secretary underscored the importance of upgrading healthcare infrastructure in cantonments, noting that access to high-quality medical services is central to community well-being.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that residents benefit from modern, technology-driven healthcare systems comparable to leading urban medical institutions.

Robotic Orthopaedic System: Precision and Faster Recovery

A major highlight of the upgrade is the installation of a cutting-edge robotic orthopaedic system, which represents a leap forward in surgical capability.

The system enables:

• High-precision, minimally invasive procedures

• Improved surgical accuracy in complex orthopaedic cases

• Reduced recovery times for patients

• Better overall clinical outcomes

This technology is expected to transform the hospital’s ability to handle joint replacements and other intricate bone-related surgeries with greater efficiency and safety.

Enhanced Maternal Care with Modern OT

Alongside the robotic system, the hospital has also unveiled a dedicated Maternity Operation Theatre, designed to provide comprehensive and safe surgical care for expectant mothers.

The facility is equipped to handle a wide range of obstetric procedures, ensuring improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in emergency situations.

Major Expansion Plan Underway

The inauguration also marks the beginning of a broader healthcare expansion programme at the Cantonment General Hospital.

According to officials, several upgrades are planned in a phased manner:

Within the next three months:

• Establishment of a Dialysis Centre

• Creation of a Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD)

• Upgrades to Intensive Care Units (ICU)

• Expansion of laboratory services

Over the next one year:

• Paediatric ICU and Neonatal ICU

• CT Scan and MRI diagnostic facilities

• Cancer Screening Unit

• High Dependency Unit (HDU)

• Multispecialty wards

• Surgical ICU

These developments are aimed at transforming the hospital into a comprehensive multi-specialty healthcare centre, capable of addressing a wide spectrum of medical needs.

Strengthening Community Healthcare

Director General Defence Estates Smt. Shobha Gupta praised the initiative, stating that such investments will significantly strengthen healthcare delivery systems within cantonment areas and improve overall community welfare.

The expansion aligns with a broader national push to integrate advanced medical technologies into public healthcare systems, ensuring that even traditionally underserved areas benefit from cutting-edge treatment options.

A Model for Future Cantonment Healthcare

The Delhi Cantonment upgrade is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across other cantonment regions in India, where improving civilian healthcare access remains a priority.

By combining technological innovation with infrastructure expansion, the project reflects a growing emphasis on accessible, high-quality, and future-ready healthcare services.