Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre has completed 1,500 robotic surgeries since launching its programme in October 2023. Officials now plan to expand the facility further to meet rising patient demand.

The hospital currently performs eight to 10 robotic surgeries every day. Officials estimate the total value of these procedures at more than Rs600 million so far. Meanwhile, the pace of operations continues to grow steadily each month.

JPMC Deputy Director Dr Saddam Saleh said the number of robotic surgeries could reach between 1,800 and 2,000 by the end of this year. He added that this projection depends on the current pace continuing without major disruption. Additionally, he confirmed that patients do not pay any extra fee for the procedure.

He explained that the Sindh government’s budget fully covers the cost of robotic surgery. Therefore, patients receive advanced treatment without any financial burden. This approach has made the programme especially valuable for lower-income patients across the province.

Head of the Urology Department Dr Naresh Kumar said robotic surgery has significantly improved the hospital’s surgical capabilities. He noted that the technology allows doctors to perform complex procedures with greater precision. Furthermore, it requires much smaller incisions than traditional surgery.

Dr Kumar explained that open surgery often requires a 15 to 20 centimetre cut. Instead, robotic surgery can be completed through just three small openings. This difference significantly reduces trauma to the patient’s body during treatment.

He also said the technique reduces blood loss and lowers post-operative discomfort for patients. As a result, many patients recover faster and return home sooner after surgery. Finally, Dr Kumar noted that the technology gives surgeons a clear three-dimensional view of the operating area.

This detailed visualization helps doctors navigate complex procedures with far greater accuracy. Still, officials say continued investment remains essential to sustain this level of growth. The hospital hopes to further scale its robotic surgery programme in the coming months, expanding access to more patients across Karachi and beyond.