The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to introduce advanced robotic surgery systems, advancing access to state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical care for patients across Pakistan.
One agreement, signed with MicroPort, will bring the globally utilised Toumai Surgical Robotic System to AKUH’s Department of Surgery. Designed to assist surgeons in performing a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, spanning urology, general surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, and thoracic surgery, the Toumai system offers enhanced precision and improved recovery outcomes for patients. It also features cutting-edge 5G remote surgery capabilities.
When we talk about the future of surgery, we are really talking about quality, precision, safety, and access, said Dr Saleem Islam, Professor, Paediatric Surgery and Chair, Department of Surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery has become the standard of care at leading institutions around the world; not the frontier anymore, but rather the established benchmark.
Another agreement, signed with Smith+Nephew, will introduce the FDA-approved CORI Surgical System to AKUH’s Department of Orthopaedics. The CORI system is a state-of-the-art, handheld robotic platform that assists surgeons in performing robotic-assisted total knee replacements. By generating a real-time 3D map of the patient’s unique anatomy, the system ensures highly personalised surgical plans and enhanced operative accuracy.
This technology will allow us to move beyond standard procedures, said Dr Mansoor Ali Khan, Clinical Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics. We will now be able to perform robotic-assisted total knee replacements with exceptional, real-time accuracy, which is a tremendous advancement for our patients.
Both MoUs were signed by Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO, AKUH Health System, Pakistan and Professor of Urology, in the presence of the respective department leaders: Dr Saleem Islam, Professor, Paediatric Surgery and Chair, Department of Surgery and Dr Mansoor Ali Khan, Clinical Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Farhat Abbas said: These partnerships reflect our ongoing dedication to bringing world-class surgical technology to our patients. Robotic-assisted surgery represents an important step forward in precision medicine and reinforces our commitment to bringing globally recognised healthcare technologies to Pakistan.
Robotic-assisted surgery utilises small, highly precise instruments controlled by expert surgeons to perform complex procedures through minimal incisions. For patients, this advanced approach can mean significantly reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. By adopting these internationally recognised systems, AKUH will be able to offer robotic-assisted options across many surgical procedures, broadening access to exceptionally safe and advanced surgical care for patients in Pakistan and the wider region.
Both systems will be integrated into AKUH’s Main Operating Rooms, with rigorous, specialised training for surgeons and operating room staff to be conducted ahead of the planned rollout. Robotic surgery procedures are expected to commence very soon and be available to patients over the next few months.
The introduction of these robotic systems will expand access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical care for patients across Pakistan, delivered by AKUH’s highly trained surgeons and multidisciplinary teams. By enhancing surgical precision, this technology can help reduce patient discomfort, support improved outcomes, and promote faster recovery, enabling patients to return to their daily lives sooner.