Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has completed more than 1,500 robotic surgeries since introducing its robotic surgery programme in October 2023, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s adoption of advanced medical technology.
The Karachi-based hospital is now preparing to expand its robotic surgery facility as demand for the specialised procedures continues to increase.
JPMC is currently performing around eight to 10 robotic operations every day. The growing number of procedures reflects increasing use of robotic technology as part of the hospital’s surgical services.
Officials estimate that the combined value of robotic procedures carried out at the hospital so far has exceeded Rs600 million. The figure highlights the scale of the programme since its launch less than three years ago.
JPMC Deputy Director Dr Saddam Saleh said the number of robotic surgeries could reach between 1,800 and 2,000 by the end of the year if the hospital continues operating at its current pace.
The milestone represents an important development for advanced healthcare services in Pakistan, particularly as robotic-assisted surgery requires specialised equipment, trained medical professionals and dedicated facilities.
Robotic surgery can allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision and control. Depending on the type of operation, the technology can also support minimally invasive approaches that may offer patients benefits such as smaller incisions and potentially faster recovery.
The continued expansion of the programme at JPMC indicates that robotic-assisted procedures are becoming an increasingly important part of modern surgical care in the country.
With daily procedures already reaching double-digit levels on some days, the hospital is facing the challenge of accommodating growing demand while maintaining the quality and safety of its surgical services.
The proposed expansion could allow JPMC to increase its capacity and provide robotic surgery to a larger number of patients. It could also strengthen the hospital’s position as a major public-sector healthcare institution offering advanced surgical treatment.
The programme’s progress is particularly significant for patients seeking access to sophisticated medical procedures through a public healthcare facility. Expanding such services could help make advanced surgical technology available to a broader section of the population.
JPMC’s achievement also highlights the growing role of technology in Pakistan’s healthcare sector. As hospitals invest in modern equipment and specialised expertise, robotic-assisted procedures could become more widely available for different types of complex surgeries.
If the current rate of operations continues, the hospital could approach the projected 1,800 to 2,000 procedures before the end of the year. Officials will therefore be closely monitoring demand and capacity as they plan the next phase of the programme.
The completion of more than 1,500 robotic surgeries since October 2023 marks a significant step for JPMC and Pakistan’s public healthcare system, while the planned expansion could further increase access to advanced surgical services in Karachi.
