Egypt to Expand Robotic Surgery Capabilities in Public Hospitals
Egypt is poised to revolutionize its public healthcare system with the introduction of robotic surgery, beginning with a pilot program at Nasser Institute Hospital. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, aims to enhance surgical precision, improve patient outcomes, and modernize healthcare services nationwide.
Advancing Surgical Technology in Egypt
Minister Abdel Ghaffar announced the launch of the first robotic surgery program during a meeting with representatives from Tecnoviv and Medbot . This move signifies a significant step towards integrating advanced medical technologies into the Egyptian public healthcare infrastructure. Robotic surgery offers several advantages, including increased precision, minimized surgical errors, and improved patient safety.
Phased Implementation and Expansion
The initial phase will see the operationalization of a robotic surgical system at Nasser Institute Hospital. Following a successful pilot, the technology is planned to be gradually expanded to other major hospitals across Egypt. This phased approach will allow for careful evaluation and refinement of protocols before widespread adoption.
Specialized Applications and Training
According to Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the technology holds particular promise for complex procedures in fields such as urology, obstetrics and gynaecology, and general surgery . Robotic-assisted procedures are expected to reduce complications, shorten recovery times, and improve overall clinical performance.
To ensure the successful implementation of this technology, a national committee on robotic surgery will be formed, comprising leading medical experts. This committee will be responsible for establishing regulatory frameworks and overseeing the phased implementation across Egyptian hospitals.
plans are underway to establish a specialized training center for medical teams at the Princess Fatima Academy for Medical Professional Education. This center will provide healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to operate robotic surgical systems in accordance with international standards.
Minister Abdel Ghaffar’s Background and Leadership
Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has served as the Minister of Health and Population in Egypt since October 2021, initially in an acting capacity . Prior to this role, he was the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research from February 2017 to August 2022 . He also held positions at Ain Shams University, including Head of the Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Diagnosis and Radiology, and Dean of Dentistry .
Recent Healthcare Collaborations
Egypt has also been actively exploring collaborations in medical technology with international companies. In March 2025, Minister Abdel Ghaffar met with Anna Kasprzak, Regional Vice President of Medtronic, to discuss potential partnerships in medical technology, services, and solutions . Discussions focused on expanding access to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) surgeries and exploring a national screening program for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).
Looking Ahead
The introduction of robotic surgery represents a significant investment in the future of Egyptian healthcare. By embracing advanced technologies and prioritizing training and development, Egypt is positioning itself to deliver higher-quality, more effective care to its citizens. The continued leadership of Minister Abdel Ghaffar and strategic partnerships with global medical technology leaders will be crucial to the success of this ambitious initiative.