The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has begun discussions with a team from a hospital in Kolkata, India, over plans to acquire a robotic surgical system for the hospital.
The Indian team, made up of medical doctors, is expected to support not only the supply of the system but also the training of Korle Bu staff to operate and use the technology.
The discussions follow an announcement by the Chief Executive of Korle Bu, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, that management intends to introduce robotic surgery at the hospital.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month on September 2, Dr Adam said robotic surgery represents an important part of the future of surgical care and that Korle Bu must keep pace with advances in modern medicine.
He noted that some Ghanaians currently travel outside the country to access robotic surgery because the service is not available locally.
The proposed acquisition is therefore expected to expand the range of advanced surgical services available at Korle Bu and reduce the need for some patients to seek such treatment abroad.
As part of the engagement with the Indian team, discussions also covered ways to support and strengthen Korle Bu’s renal and liver transplantation programmes.
The two sides further explored the possible supply of breastmilk fortifiers and enhanced nutritional milk supplements for premature babies.
Dr Adam has urged staff of the hospital to embrace the proposed introduction of robotic surgery and support efforts to position Korle Bu at the forefront of advanced surgical care in Ghana.
The discussions mark an initial step towards introducing robotic-assisted surgery at Ghana’s premier teaching hospital, subject to the completion of the necessary arrangements.
