South Africa: Health systems in the free state province have recently launched the Versius Surgical Robotics System. The launch of the technological system was done at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The Free State province has emerged as the trendsetter in terms of this development. The province is the first in Southern Africa to make use of the robotics during surgeries. The administration has also gone ahead to address growing concerns of a robotics takeover.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Vasu Reddy has confirmed that the robotics that they have launched “will assist and not dominate.”
Head of Department: Urology at Universitas hospital, Dr. Freddie Claasen has had an opportunity to use the technology and was pleased with the result.
“I have used it for prostate removal on a cancer patient and I am very happy with it. I only used it after training because one has to undergo training before using it. I do a lot of open surgery and I am quite comfortable.
Doctor Claasen shared his experience with the robotics surgery. He said that the patient that they operated on using robotics was able to go home quickly due to minimal blood loss.
He said with the use of the robotics, chances of errors would be significantly reduced. The doctor has confirmed that in case of a complex surgery he would prefer taking the help of a robotics device. This will make sure that precise surgeries can happen with little margin for errors.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, was proud of the new development. She was also present at the launch alongside MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi. HOD for Health Masechaba Sesing was also part of the launch event.
“The introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotic System is a testament to our vision of positioning the Free State as a province of unique firsts—an innovator in healthcare technology and a centre of excellence in Southern Africa.
The robotics system will help in enhancing surgical precision in the province. At the same time, it is also set to improving patient outcomes in the province