Islamabad Makes Medical History With First Robotic Surgery At PIMS

Islamabad just reached a major medical milestone. At Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), doctors performed the capital’s first robotic surgery. They used a Chinese-made Toumai surgical robot to treat a 70-year-old woman with a tumor on her adrenal gland.

For Pakistan’s public hospitals, this is a huge achievement. It shows that advanced robotic surgery is no longer a distant dream. Instead, it is now a real option for patients in a government hospital in Islamabad. For many families, this means safer care closer to home.

Inside Islamabad’s First Robotic Operation

The historic procedure took place on November 13, 2025, at PIMS, Islamabad’s largest public hospital. A team of local surgeons worked closely with experts from the United Kingdom. Together, they used the Toumai surgical robot, developed in China, to remove a hormone-secreting adrenal tumor from a 70-year-old patient.

Doctors say the surgery went smoothly. The patient’s blood pressure, which had been dangerously high due to the tumour, is now expected to stabilise. She is likely to leave the hospital much sooner than with open surgery.

 Why This Surgery Is A Big Deal

This is the first robotic surgery in a public hospital in Islamabad.

Because of that, it sends three strong signals:

• Pakistan can handle high-end surgical technology in a public setting.
• Patients no longer need to travel abroad for some complex operations.
• Robotic surgery in Islamabad may reduce recovery time and hospital stays, thereby easing pressure on a busy healthcare system.

In simple terms, this PIMS robotic operation demonstrates that Pakistan’s medical innovation is growing, not only in private clinics but also in government hospitals.

What Is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery does not mean a robot works alone. Instead, surgeons sit at a console and control robotic arms. The system turns the doctor’s hand movements into tiny, precise actions inside the body.

Compared to traditional open surgery:

• Cuts are smaller.
• Bleeding is usually less.
• Pain can be reduced.
• Recovery tends to be faster.

Unlike standard laparoscopy, robotic systems like the da Vinci robot provide 3D views and very fine movements. That helps when surgeons work around delicate organs and vessels.

Voices From The Operating Room

Doctors involved in the case have described it as a turning point. Dr. Mateen Sharif, director of the robotic team at PIMS, said robotic surgery is “the future of medical care” and plans to expand it to major public hospitals across Pakistan.

PIMS Executive Director Dr. Imran Sikandar noted that many procedures are complex, but robotics helps reduce patient discomfort and enhance safety. International trainers from the UK also praised the local team’s skills, saying this success demonstrates how quickly Pakistani surgeons can adapt to surgical technology in Pakistan.

Family members of the patient told local media they were nervous at first, but now feel proud that their loved one helped “make history” for Islamabad healthcare news.

Key Benefits To Patients And Hospitals

For patients, robotic surgery offers several clear gains:

• Faster healing, with less scarring
• Less time under anesthesia
• Fewer post-operation infections in many cases
• Less overall strain on doctors and nurses

Patient Benefits

• Minimally invasive
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less blood loss
• Quicker return to daily life

For hospitals like PIMS, robotic systems also support training. Young surgeons can learn advanced techniques at home rather than traveling abroad. Over time, that builds stronger teams and raises the overall standard of care.

Challenges And Next Steps

Of course, this breakthrough also introduces new challenges. First, robotic platforms are costly, and maintenance expenses are high. Public hospitals will need strong support from the government and donors to keep their operations running. Second, surgeons, nurses, and technicians must undergo ongoing training. Therefore, partnerships with international centers and regular workshops are essential. Third, Pakistan must plan how to expand public hospital robotic surgery beyond Islamabad. Cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar will also require systems, training, and funding. Finally, policymakers must ensure access is equitable. Advanced care should not be limited to just a lucky few.

The Future Of Robotic Surgery In Pakistan

Looking ahead, several big questions arise:

• Will more public hospitals adopt the technology? Early signs suggest that this is indeed the case, especially if the first case proves cost-effective.
• Could locally built or regionally assembled robots reduce costs? If that happens, robotic surgery in Islamabad might become a model for other South Asian cities.
• What about young doctors and students? For them, PIMS robotic operation opens a new career path. Training in robotic systems could keep more talent inside Pakistan.

As global makers like MicroPort expand the Toumai platform, Pakistan can plug into a wider network of updates, support, and research.

A Hopeful Step Forward

Islamabad’s first robotic surgery at PIMS is more than just a headline; it marks a significant step forward for Pakistan’s medical innovation in public hospitals. With the Toumai robot, Pakistan joins a growing list of countries utilizing high-precision tools for complex procedures.

Yes, challenges like costs, training, and access remain, but this moment still offers genuine hope. It demonstrates that ordinary citizens in government facilities can receive world-class care at home.

If leaders build on this achievement, the first robotic surgery at PIMS could be remembered as the day Pakistan’s surgical future truly began..