ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has achieved a major medical milestone as doctors at PIMS successfully completed their first robotic laparoscopic surgery. The procedure, carried out at Islamabad’s largest government hospital, marks the beginning of a new era in advanced, minimally invasive treatment.
Hospital officials confirmed that the first robotic operation was completed without complications. Using a modern robotic system, surgeons removed a gland located above a patient’s kidney with high precision and minimal discomfort. Video from the operating room showed the robot performing the complex task while the surgeon controlled every movement through a specialised console, highlighting the system’s accuracy.
Doctors believe the introduction of robotic laparoscopic surgery will greatly improve patient care. The technique reduces pain, shortens hospital stays, and offers faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. It also enhances surgical precision and lowers the risk of complications.
Professor Dr. Atif Inam Shami, who led the operation, said that robotic procedures significantly change the recovery timeline. He explained that patients undergoing open surgery usually stay in the hospital for almost a week and need a month to recover. In contrast, those treated with robotic methods can return home on the second day and resume normal activities within a few days.
Cost-effective innovation has also played a big role in making robotic laparoscopic surgery possible at PIMS. According to the private company supplying the equipment, Chinese-made robotic systems are far more affordable than earlier models. Previously, hospitals needed nearly Rs1 billion to purchase such technology. The new system costs only a few million rupees, making it a practical choice for public hospitals.
Abdul Rehman, the company’s director, said that robotic procedures once cost around $1,000 per patient. With the new system, the maximum cost is now about Rs200,000, making advanced surgeries more accessible.
Doctors at PIMS noted that the PC-1 for expanding the hospital’s robotic surgery project has been pending for a year. They urged the government to release funds so the technology can be introduced in more departments and specialties.
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This expansion would help more patients benefit from advanced surgical care and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
