Tender to acquire robotic surgery system cancelled

The Sindh Health Department has cancelled the tender for four robotic systems initially ordered for the JPMC, Gambat Hospital, and Lums Hospital. Caretaker Health Minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz emphasised the need for cost-effective healthcare and instructed government hospitals to use robotic surgery primarily for complex surgeries rather than minor surgical procedures.

In an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune, the health minister acknowledged his lack of expertise in surgical matters. Still, he pointed out that laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal allows patients to be discharged within a day.

"The cost of laparoscopy in government hospitals such as JPMC and Civil Hospital is considerably lower than in private facilities," he said and clarified that robotic surgery has not been completely halted, but the tender for four robotic systems intended for JPMC, Gambat Hospital, and Lums Hospital has been canceled.

Dr Niaz raised a crucial question about the allocation of resources. He emphasised the need to address basic healthcare infrastructure issues in many government hospitals, including incomplete emergency facilities and deteriorating infrastructure. He questioned whether it was more prudent to invest in new technology when the existing facilities needed improvement.

While several countries have adopted robotic surgery, even they avoid using it for routine gallbladder removal, he said. The procurement of six robotic systems, with an estimated cost of Rs5.7 billion, would result in a significant financial burden.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2023.