From China to Morocco… How did a robot help save a patient’s life?

This historic achievement, led by Moroccan Dr. Younis Ahal and the Moroccan medical and technical team, reflects the great progress witnessed by the health sector in the Kingdom and highlights local competences that contribute to strengthening health independence.

In three dimensions and 12 thousand kilometers

The operation was performed using the advanced surgical robot “Toumai”, and the operation was managed by the Moroccan surgeon Younes Ahalal from Shanghai, China, while the patient was in the hospital in Casablanca. The operation took place at a distance of 12 thousand kilometers for treatment Prostate cancerrelying on a high-speed Internet connection and high-resolution 3D images, which allowed it to be performed with absolute efficiency and accuracy.

Although the technology of remote surgery is not new to the world, this operation is the first of its kind at such a great distance, making it a historic medical achievement that places Morocco among the leading countries in this field.

The importance of the achievement for Morocco

Commenting on this topic, Dr. Al-Tayeb Hudhi, a physician and health policy and systems researcher, revealed that performing the first remote surgery using robotic technology in… Morocco It is an unprecedented global medical achievement, because it was carried out at a distance of 12 thousand kilometers.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Hudhi explained that robotic surgery represents a revolution in the medical field, as it combines precision Technology And the skill of national competences, which contributes to reducing surgical errors and ensuring better outcomes for patients.

He stated that these remote operations rely on advanced technologies (a control panel in Shanghai and robotic arms in Casablanca) that are interconnected via high-speed Internet.

Traveling without a ticket

This technology allows Moroccan medical teams to share their experiences with staff in other countries, as a Moroccan doctor can perform an operation in Nouakchott from Casablanca, and a Moroccan patient can receive a surgical intervention from an Australian doctor, for example.

He pointed out that the introduction of this type of technology in the Moroccan health system will help patients avoid the costs of travel and accommodation outside the country, making treatment more accessible to all groups.

Technical and configuration challenges

Despite its remarkable success, this technology, according to experts, faces challenges that must be overcome to ensure the continuity of such operations:

• Technical infrastructure: Dr. Hamdi stressed the necessity of providing a fast and stable internet connection to ensure immediate response time, which was achieved in Morocco thanks to one of the telecommunication companies.
• High cost of technology: Surgical robots require significant investment, which requires planning to sustainably expand their use.
• Intensive training: Doctors and surgeons need specialized training to handle this technique effectively.

Future prospects of telesurgery

Health systems expert Dr Tayeb Houdy points out that Morocco is looking to expand the use of… Robotic surgery In the coming years. It is expected that this technology will be used to improve access to treatment in remote areas, ensuring greater comprehensiveness of health care.

The presence of 15,000 Moroccan doctors living abroad could be an important contribution to the development of this field. Technology paves the way for collaboration between Moroccan doctors and their international colleagues, which strengthens Morocco’s position as a regional and international medical center.