KARACHI: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to introduce advanced robotic surgery systems, marking a significant step toward expanding access to state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical care in Pakistan.
Under one agreement, signed with MicroPort, AKUH’s Department of Surgery will acquire the globally used Toumai Surgical Robotic System. The system is designed to assist surgeons in performing a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, including urology, general surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, and thoracic surgery. It also features advanced 5G remote surgery capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Saleem Islam, Professor of Paediatric Surgery and Chair of the Department of Surgery, said robotic-assisted surgery has become the standard of care at leading medical institutions worldwide, offering improved quality, precision, safety, and patient access.
In a separate agreement with Smith+Nephew, AKUH’s Department of Orthopaedics will introduce the FDA-approved CORI Surgical System, a handheld robotic platform used for robotic-assisted total knee replacement procedures. The system generates a real-time 3D map of a patient’s anatomy, enabling highly personalised surgical planning and enhanced operative accuracy.
Dr. Mansoor Ali Khan, Clinical Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics, said the technology would allow surgeons to perform robotic-assisted total knee replacements with exceptional real-time accuracy, representing a major advancement in patient care.
Both agreements were signed by Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH Health System Pakistan and Professor of Urology, in the presence of departmental leadership, including Dr. Saleem Islam and Dr. Mansoor Ali Khan.
Dr. Farhat Abbas said the partnerships reflect AKUH’s commitment to bringing world-class surgical technologies to Pakistan and advancing precision medicine. He noted that robotic-assisted surgery would strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide globally recognised healthcare services.
Robotic-assisted surgery uses highly precise instruments controlled by trained surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions. Compared to traditional open surgery, the technology can help reduce pain, shorten hospital stays, and support faster recovery.
According to AKUH, both robotic systems will be integrated into the hospital’s main operating rooms following specialised training for surgeons and operating room staff. Robotic-assisted surgical procedures are expected to commence in the coming months.
Hospital officials said the introduction of these systems will broaden access to advanced surgical care for patients across Pakistan while enhancing surgical precision, improving outcomes, and reducing recovery times.
