Dr. Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi has launched a robotic surgery programme, introducing technology designed to support precision-based and minimally invasive procedures across general and specialised surgical fields. The programme was inaugurated by hospital chairman Dr. Asim Hussain, who said the institution had been working to introduce the technology at a more affordable cost. The initiative aims to expand the range of surgical procedures available at the hospital while integrating advanced equipment with specialised medical expertise. According to the launch report, the hospital has already performed two successful operations using the robotic system, marking the initial clinical use of the technology under its new programme.
Dr. Asim Hussain said the hospital had prioritised making robotic-assisted surgery more accessible to patients by seeking ways to reduce its cost. He also confirmed that the hospital’s surgeons had received specialised training in China to prepare them to operate with the new technology. Training and clinical preparation are important elements of robotic surgery because the system is controlled by surgeons rather than operating independently. Medical teams must understand how to use the robotic instruments, coordinate procedures and determine which patients are suitable for this approach. The hospital’s launch reflects an effort to combine its investment in surgical equipment with the professional expertise needed to introduce robotic-assisted procedures into routine clinical practice.
The programme is expected to cover a range of operations, including gall bladder removal, hernia repair, intestinal procedures and other general surgeries, alongside selected cancer-related operations. Reports surrounding the launch have also identified colorectal, urological, gynaecological and cardiac surgery among the wider specialties associated with the programme. Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to control specialised instruments through a robotic platform, supporting precise movements during selected procedures. Depending on the operation and the patient’s condition, minimally invasive techniques may involve smaller incisions and can potentially reduce postoperative discomfort and recovery time. However, the benefits vary according to the procedure, the patient’s medical circumstances and the experience of the surgical team. The technology is intended to assist trained surgeons and does not replace their clinical judgement or decision-making.
The introduction of robotic surgery at Ziauddin Hospital comes amid wider adoption of advanced surgical technology in Pakistan’s healthcare sector. Robotic-assisted procedures have also been reported at public-sector institutions, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where a Toumai surgical robot was used for an adrenal operation in November 2025. Ziauddin Hospital’s programme adds another private-sector facility to the country’s developing robotic surgery landscape. The hospital’s stated focus on affordability will be an important consideration as patients assess access to these procedures, although specific prices and the cost difference compared with conventional surgery were not provided in the video summary. The number of procedures available, the expansion of services across specialties and the long-term clinical results will help determine how the programme contributes to surgical care in Karachi.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
