Kyrgyzstan Unveils "Country's First" Surgical Robot

BISHKEK — Kyrgyzstan has unveiled a Toumai robotic surgery system made by Shanghai MicroPort MedBot, presenting it as the country’s first surgical robot, although officials have not said when it will be used on patients.

The equipment was presented Sept. 10 at the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy in Bishkek, according to an academy statement (Russian-language source). The academy plans to begin robot-assisted operations at its clinical facility, but it did not provide a date or identify the first procedure or surgical specialty.

Health Minister Damirbek Osmonov tested the system’s controls from its surgical console during the presentation. This was a demonstration, not a clinical operation.

Toumai is a four-arm laparoscopic surgery system developed by Shanghai MicroPort MedBot (Group) Co., a medical robotics company listed in Hong Kong. The system comprises a surgeon console, an imaging platform and a patient-side unit carrying the robotic instruments.

It does not operate autonomously. A surgeon seated at the console controls instruments inserted through small incisions and remains responsible for every stage of the procedure. The Kyrgyz academy said the system is intended for minimally invasive operations and can help surgeons perform precise movements in difficult-to-reach areas.

MicroPort says Toumai has regulatory clearance in about 60 countries and regions. According to the manufacturer, the system supports procedures in urology, general surgery, gynecology and thoracic surgery.
Kyrgyz officials did not disclose the system’s purchase price, funding source, service arrangements or regulatory status in Kyrgyzstan.