More Than 1,500 Robotic Surgeries Completed
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi has completed more than 1,500 robotic surgeries since starting its robotic surgery programme in October 2023. The growing demand for these procedures has now pushed the hospital to expand its robotic surgery facilities. Hospital officials say more robotic systems are being planned to increase the number of operations and reduce waiting times for patients.
8 to 10 Robotic Surgeries Every Day
JPMC is currently performing around 8 to 10 robotic surgeries each day. According to Deputy Director Dr Saddam Saleh, the number of procedures could reach between 1,800 and 2,000 by the end of 2026 if the current pace continues. The robotic surgeries performed so far have an estimated combined value of more than Rs600 million.
Growing Patient Demand Creates Pressure
The increasing number of patients has also created pressure on the hospital’s existing robotic surgery capacity.Patients from Sindh and other parts of Pakistan, including Balochistan, southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, come to JPMC for complex surgical treatment. Because of this demand, some patients have to wait longer for their surgery dates. Hospital management is now working to expand the facility so more procedures can be performed each day.
Treatment Available Without Extra Charges
One important feature of the programme is that patients do not pay an additional fee for robotic surgery.. Dr Saddam Saleh said the facility is being provided free of cost under the Sindh government’s budget. This allows patients to access advanced surgical technology without paying the high additional costs normally associated with robotic procedures.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Several departments at JPMC, including urology, general surgery, and gynaecology, use robotic technology for complex procedures. Dr Naresh Kumar, head of the hospital’s Urology Department, said robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform procedures through much smaller openings. Traditional open surgery may require surgeons to make an incision of around 15 to 20 centimetres, while robotic procedures require only three small openings. The technology can also reduce blood loss and postoperative discomfort. It may help patients recover faster, while giving surgeons a detailed three-dimensional view during complicated procedures.
JPMC Is Also Training Surgeons
The hospital has also developed its role as a training centre for robotic surgery. Surgeons from different parts of Pakistan have received training at JPMC. Medical professionals from Hyderabad, Larkana and Lahore have reportedly participated in training, while surgeons and technical staff from Kenya’s Aga Khan Hospital have also received training there. As doctors gain more experience, the time required for some robotic procedures is also decreasing. This could allow the hospital to increase the number of surgeries performed each day.
More Facilities Planned
The expansion is not limited to robotic systems. Hospital management is also looking at additional beds, a new medical tower and other healthcare facilities to deal with the growing number of patients. The aim is to increase surgical capacity and reduce the waiting period for people who need complex treatment.
Advanced Healthcare at Jinnah Hospital
The expansion of robotic surgery marks another step in JPMC’s efforts to provide advanced medical treatment in the public healthcare system. With more than 1,500 robotic surgeries already completed, the hospital is now facing the challenge of keeping up with demand. If hospitals successfully add more robotic systems and supporting facilities, they could provide advanced surgical treatment to more patients while reducing waiting times.
