Robots would soon be involved in complicated cardiac surgeries in Qatar, as the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is working on a plan to introduce this advanced technology. The HMC has already been using robots in its urology department and is now preparing to introduce them in cardiothoracic and cancer surgeries, Dr Abdullah Al Ansari, head of the Urology Department said addressing a press conference yesterday. The press meet was held to highlight HMC’s participation in the recently concluded Arab Health Exhibition and Conference in Dubai. “We were able to impress visitors to the exhibition through our advanced services and technology. Our experience in the exhibition convinced us that we are leaders in healthcare in the region that our facilities and services are on par with those available in the western and North American countries” said Al Ansari. He said robotics was one of the areas that raised HMC’s profile in the exhibition. “We have conducted seven robotic surgeries in Qatar mostly for prostate and kidney related cases. The next step is to introduce the technology in cancer and cardiac treatment, including the most complicated open heart surgeries,” said Al Ansari. HMC has already procured state-of-the-art robots including the highly sophisticated 4Arm, he added. “Our plan is to use robots in difficult surgeries since it can make the operations more safe and precise. We are now training our surgeons as part of expanding this technology to new areas,” said Al Ansari. Along with HMC, the Ministry of Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, College of the North Atlantic Qatar, Calgary University Qatar, Aspire, Qatar Science and Technology Park, Qatar University and the Qatar Diabetes Association also took part in the exhibition, as part of the spectacular Qatar pavilion. HMC also showcased its Hamad International Training Center and Organ Transplant section at the exhibition. Husham Mohammed Ahmed, trauma surgeon at the Accident and Emergency Department at HMC said the training center has been offering training to medical staff not only from Qatar but also other countries in the region. Free awareness programmes have also been offered for the public. Dr Samira Abdullah Saleh, from the organ transplant section said the laboratory at HMC was capable of conducting typing tests for organ transplant in the most advanced manner and ready to offer its services to other hospitals in the region. Mohammed Al Noaimi, director of HMC’s Media Department and its assistant director Hassan Mohammed Al Hail was also present at the press conference. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2009&file=Local_News2009020634636.xml

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