United Medical College Hospital Performs Bangladesh’s First Robotic Surgery, Opening a New Era in Advanced Healthcare
DHAKA, September 1, 2026: Bangladesh has entered a new era in advanced healthcare with the country’s first reported robotic surgery performed at United Medical College Hospital in Dhaka.
The landmark procedures were carried out on Monday at the hospital’s United City facility on Madani Avenue, introducing advanced robotic-assisted surgical technology to Bangladesh.
Prof. Dr. Rafiques Salehin performed a robotic cholecystectomy on a 57-year-old male patient diagnosed with gallstones, while Prof. Dr. Samsad Jahan (Shelly) performed a robotic hysterectomy on a 45-year-old female patient suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding.
The surgeries were conducted using the Medbot Toumai Endoscopic Surgical Robot, supported by a multidisciplinary medical team.
According to the hospital, the robotic system provides high-definition 3D visualisation and instruments capable of 360-degree movement. These features can help surgeons operate with greater precision, particularly in complex or confined anatomical areas.
Robotic-assisted surgery is designed to enhance surgical control while allowing smaller incisions and potentially reducing tissue trauma, blood loss and post-operative pain. It may also support faster recovery in selected procedures, although outcomes can vary depending on the patient and type of surgery.
Commenting on the milestone, Prof. Dr. Rafiques Salehin said robotic surgery represents a major advancement in AI-assisted surgical technology.
“The robotic arms offer 360-degree movement, far exceeding the limitations of the human hand, enabling exceptional precision in confined spaces,” he said. “This allows for greater protection of blood vessels, minimal invasiveness, significantly less bleeding, and faster patient recovery.”
Prof. Dr. Samsad Jahan said the hospital plans to expand its robotic surgery programme to several other specialties.
The planned areas include cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, urology, general surgery, gynaecology and thoracic surgery, she said.
She added that a long-term objective of the programme is to provide advanced surgical procedures within Bangladesh and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
The introduction of robotic surgery at United Medical College Hospital marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s adoption of advanced surgical technologies. The hospital said the initiative is part of its broader effort to strengthen specialised medical services, advanced diagnostics, emergency and critical care, and modern surgical treatment.
The development could also expand access to sophisticated surgical procedures for Bangladeshi patients while supporting the country’s efforts to reduce overseas medical treatment.
Bangladesh’s first robotic surgery marks a major healthcare milestone.
