The two-day international conference on robotic surgery, held at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), concluded on Saturday with a call for the expansion of robotic surgery networks across Pakistan. The conference, which attracted robotic surgeons and physicians from both within the country and abroad, emphasized the transformative potential of robotic surgery in providing better healthcare services to the ailing population of Pakistan.
The SIUT, a pioneer institution in introducing robotic surgery to the country, has been at the forefront of utilizing this advanced technology to improve medical procedures. As the discussions unfolded, robotic surgery experts underscored its key benefits: precision, efficiency, and improved patient care. The consensus was clear: robotic surgery, often considered state-of-the-art technology, holds immense promise for the future of medical care, and it is poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare demands.
Dr. Saeed Quraishi, president of the Pakistan Robotic Society, along with Dr. Irfan Rizvi, a visiting surgeon from the United States, highlighted a particularly notable aspect of the robotic procedures at SIUT — accessibility. According to them, robotic surgeries are offered at no cost to patients, regardless of their socio-economic background. This approach ensures that even the most vulnerable segments of the population can benefit from cutting-edge healthcare technology, making it an inclusive advancement for public health.
The conference also featured contributions from several other distinguished figures in the field. Badar Mian, another visiting surgeon, emphasized the efficiency of robotic surgery, particularly its accuracy and the reduced time required for procedures. These factors are critical in reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems and improving recovery times for patients.
Dr. Sajida Qureshi, a leading expert in the field, spoke on the ethical considerations surrounding robotic surgery, stressing the importance of ensuring that this technology is used responsibly and with the best interests of patients in mind. The conversation also highlighted the necessity of training and equipping healthcare staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to support the implementation of robotic surgery. Mr. Andre De Silva pointed out that proper training is essential for the effective use of robotic systems, which require both technical proficiency and an understanding of the nuances of patient care.
Other prominent figures, including Javaid Iqbal, Vipul Patel, and Rashid Mazhar, also took part in the discussions, adding their insights into the potential of robotic surgery to revolutionize the medical field. They agreed that expanding the availability of this technology would not only improve patient outcomes but also elevate the overall standard of healthcare in Pakistan.