PESHAWAR — The Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD) at the Hayatabad Medical Complex is set to pioneer robotic-assisted surgery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This landmark development follows a successful live workshop on Friday, February 6, 2026, where UK-based surgeons demonstrated the technology by performing two complex procedures on patients with kidney tumors.
The initiative aims to bring KP on par with Sindh and Punjab, where robotic platforms are already operational in major centers like SIUT and PKLI.
Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RAMIS)
Robotic surgery represents the next evolution beyond traditional laparoscopy.
- Precision Control: Surgeons operate from a console, using 3D high-definition cameras and robotic arms that eliminate human tremors and offer a range of motion exceeding the human wrist.
- Patient Benefits: Smaller incisions lead to less bleeding, reduced infection risk, and significantly shorter hospital stays.
- Global Expertise: The workshop was led by Prof. Matin Sheriff (Medway NHS Foundation Trust, UK), a renowned pioneer in minimally invasive urology, alongside consultant Dr. Javed Burki.
Implementation Strategy and Funding
IKD Director Dr. Kamran Khan has submitted a formal proposal to the Board of Governors (BoG) to secure the necessary infrastructure:
| Component | Details |
| Capital Cost | Approximately $1 million (Rs. 280M+) for the robotic surgical system. |
| Sehat Card Plus | Proposal to include robotic cases under the Sehat Card scheme, similar to renal transplants, to ensure the poor can access the tech. |
| Training | UK-based surgeons and the robot provider will facilitate training for IKD staff, who are already proficient in laparoscopic techniques. |
| Infrastructure | IKD already possesses state-of-the-art operation theaters with the required space for robotic “docking.” |
The Pilot Success
The two patients operated on during the trial, both diagnosed with kidney masses, are reported to be “doing well” and recovering rapidly. Initially, IKD plans to prioritize complicated tumor cases and reconstructive urology, with a long-term goal of performing robotic kidney transplants.
Guided by the dream of Imran Khan for a compassionate, welfare-oriented state, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government is reshaping the healthcare landscape bringing hope, dignity, and quality treatment to every citizen, and ensuring that life saving care is no longer a luxury, but a… pic.twitter.com/ul36uYOnIB
— Yar Muhammad Khan Niazi (@YarMKNiazi) February 7, 2026
A Regional Leap
While the high initial cost and annual maintenance (estimated at 10% of the platform cost) remain challenges, officials believe the long-term savings from reduced bed occupancy and faster patient turnover justify the investment.
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