Lyari General Hospital Karachi marked a historic milestone with the official inauguration of the Robotic Telesurgery Center of Excellence and Training Institute at the hospital, featuring MicroPort’s Toumai Robotic Telesurgery System.
Provincial Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho officially inaugurated the center at a ceremony attended by Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Baloch, Lyari General Hospital Principal Dr. Anjum Rehman, and various medical professionals, academics, and surgeons.
Speaking to the media, government officials and medical experts said the project demonstrates the Sindh government’s commitment to introducing state-of-the-art medical facilities in public hospitals to serve the underprivileged. They emphasized that this initiative is helping to transform Lyari’s external perception into a hub for education, medical research, and patient care. The services of physicians like Dr. Anjum Rehman as the head of the hospital and Dr. Sahar Fatima were also praised.
Popular International’s Chief Executive Officer, Iqbal Baloo, explained that robotic telesurgery is a significant advancement in public health. He said this technology allows specialist surgeons to provide cross-border medical services, saving patients the trouble of travel, expenses, and treatment delays. Baloo added that the Toumai system facilitates procedures with high precision, minimal incisions, and enhanced safety, while also serving as a robust training platform for local medical staff.
Popular International’s Director, Abdul Rehman, highlighted the project’s sustainability, stating that the Toumai system was provided on a “placement basis.” The purchase of necessary instruments and consumables by the Sindh government ensures the long-term stability of the initiative and makes advanced medical care more accessible.
MicroPort’s Regional Director, Adnan Aleem, commented on the broader implications of the technology. “Telesurgery is the future of global collaboration in healthcare,” he said, explaining that it overcomes geographical barriers to bring world-class surgical expertise directly to patients. He highlighted that the Toumai system was developed with features like advanced safety systems, stable connectivity, and high surgical precision to facilitate this vision.
The establishment of this institute positions Lyari General Hospital as a regional hub for advanced treatment, medical education, and surgical training, reflecting a commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s healthcare capabilities on an international level.