ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Kuwait has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by performing the world’s longest transcontinental robotic surgery, spanning an impressive 12,034.92 kilometers between Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait and Cruz Vermelha Hospital in Brazil. This historic accomplishment, reported by Al Jarida newspaper, was announced on Thursday through a joint press release by the Ministry of Health, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), and Zain Group. The feat underscores Kuwait’s rising prominence in medical innovation and advanced healthcare technology.
The record-setting procedure was executed through a strategic partnership among the Ministry of Health, KFAS, and Zain Group. During a press conference celebrating the achievement, Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, alongside the surgical team and representatives from Zain and the Scientific Progress Company, received the official certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records. This accolade not only marks a technological triumph but also highlights Kuwait’s potential to lead globally in healthcare innovation.
The surgical team from Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, led by Dr. Sulaiman Al-Muzaidi, Dr. Muhannad Al-Haddad, and Dr. Hamoud Al-Rashidi, collaborated seamlessly with Brazilian surgeons, including Dr. Marcelo Loureiro and Dr. Leandro Totti Cavazola. The procedure involved a series of inguinal hernia repair surgeries conducted using state-of-the-art robotic systems connected via a secure, high-capacity international network. Zain’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure ensured ultra-fast connectivity with a remarkable response time of 199 milliseconds, enabling precise and successful operations across continents.
Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized the broader significance of this achievement, stating, “Our medical cadres have proven that when willpower combines with science and technology, geographical barriers can be overcome, positioning Kuwait as a global hub for medical innovation.” He credited the success to the unwavering support of Kuwait’s political leadership, which has prioritized advancements in healthcare and technology.
Dr. Amina Farhan, Director General of KFAS, highlighted the role of innovation and national expertise in this milestone. She noted that the achievement reflects the Foundation’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for human welfare, aligning with Kuwait’s vision for progress. Similarly, Zain Kuwait CEO Nawaf Al-Gharaballi described the operation as a pivotal step toward a digital future, aligning with Zain’s “4WARD” strategy to drive technological excellence.
This world record not only demonstrates Kuwait’s ability to integrate cutting-edge medical expertise with robust technological infrastructure but also sets a new benchmark for remote robotic surgery. By overcoming vast geographical distances, Kuwait has solidified its position as a leader in the global healthcare landscape, paving the way for future innovations in telemedicine and robotic surgery.
