Islamabad: In a major milestone for the federal capital, doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) have successfully performed Islamabad’s first-ever robotic surgery using a Chinese-manufactured robotic system called “Toumai”, marking a new era of precision surgery in Pakistan’s public healthcare system.
The landmark procedure, conducted on a female patient, was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Shamim Khan, Prof. Matin Sharif, and Dr. Javed Burki, with Dr. Atif Inam Shami, Dr. Burhanul Haq, and Dr. Khalid Saeed among the local surgical team.
The surgery was also supported by international surgical experts from the United Kingdom who collaborated with PIMS specialists to ensure the success of the pioneering procedure.
According to Prof. Matin Sharif, who serves as Director of Robotic Surgery at PIMS, the introduction of robotic technology will make complex surgeries significantly safer and more effective.
“This system allows for unmatched surgical precision with minimal blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, and a much quicker recovery for patients,” he said, speaking to the media after the operation.
The Chinese-made Toumai robotic surgical system, developed by a medical technology company in China offers a cost-effective alternative to Western robotic systems such as the Versius Surgical Robotic System from CMR Surgical.
Experts say that while similar procedures in private hospitals or abroad can cost millions of rupees, the cost of a robotic surgery performed at PIMS is expected to range between Rs100,000 and Rs200,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Abdul Rahman Billion, the director of the local importing company supplying the robotic system, told reporters that the “Toumai” system offers nearly the same precision and quality as its Western counterparts but at a fraction of the cost.
“If the government wishes, we can provide this robotic system free of charge, while the government can bear the operational costs of each surgery. This would make advanced robotic procedures accessible to public hospitals across Pakistan,” he said.
The robotic system can be effectively used for various surgical specialties, including urological, gynecological, gastrointestinal, thoracic, and general surgeries, where complex or minimally invasive operations require enhanced visualization and control. Surgeons noted that robotic assistance is particularly useful for prostate, kidney, gallbladder, and colorectal surgeries, as well as hernia repairs and other technically demanding procedures.
PIMS Executive Director Dr. Imran Sikandar praised the surgical team and highlighted the hospital’s commitment to expanding robotic surgery services. “This is a historic day for PIMS. Some surgeries are technically very complex, and robotic systems help overcome those challenges while ensuring patient safety,” he said. “Patients undergoing robotic procedures experience less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery compared to traditional methods.”
He added that the government’s support is crucial in expanding this technology nationwide. “With continued government backing, we hope to make robotic surgery available in other major hospitals across Pakistan,” Dr. Imran said.
Officials at PIMS said more robotic surgeries will soon be scheduled, as training programs are already being developed for surgeons and technical staff. The hospital aims to establish itself as a national hub for robotic-assisted surgery, providing affordable, high-precision procedures that can reduce surgical complications and hospital stays for thousands of patients each year.
Prof. Matin Sharif reiterated that the ultimate goal is to introduce robotic surgery across Pakistan. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Our mission is to ensure that patients in every province can benefit from the safest and most advanced surgical technology available.”
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