Kuwait is advancing its healthcare system through the growing adoption of robotic and remote surgery technologies, marking significant progress in modernizing medical services and enhancing patient care across various government and specialized hospitals. These developments align with the strategic goals of the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which emphasizes the integration of scientific and technological innovations into treatment and prevention efforts.

Sheikh Dr Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighted that the expansion of surgical services relies on building sustainable national capabilities, combining skilled medical personnel, advanced equipment, and a strong focus on patient safety. Robotic surgery is currently in use at several facilities, including Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, Al-Farwaniyah Hospital, New Jahra Hospital, Chest Diseases Hospital, and the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Kidney and Urinary Tract.

At Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, robotic surgery began in 2019 and has since performed 1,145 operations covering specialties such as urology, bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery, liver procedures, obstetrics and gynecology, as well as ear, nose and throat interventions. The hospital's orthopedic department introduced robot-assisted surgeries in early 2024, completing over 115 cases and demonstrating the expanding expertise of Kuwaiti surgical teams.

New Jahra Hospital launched its robotic surgery program in April 2025, completing 155 surgeries by September 2026, including general surgery, urology, and complex procedures like tumor removals and reconstructive surgeries. The rapid pace of operations in less than six months reflects growing coordination and skill development among medical and nursing teams.

Chest Diseases Hospital has applied robotic technology in thoracic and cardiac surgeries, conducting 30 chest and 25 heart procedures. Al-Sabah noted that robotic systems offer enhanced visualization and instrument control, which can improve surgical precision, although recovery outcomes depend on the procedure type and patient condition.

Beyond intra-hospital use, Kuwait is expanding remote robotic surgery, allowing specialists to perform operations across different locations domestically and internationally. Since starting such procedures in December 2024, the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Center has completed 15 remote surgeries, including 12 involving international collaboration with medical teams in Shanghai, Strasbourg, Muscat, and Padua. Notably, a radical prostatectomy was carried out remotely from Strasbourg on a patient in Kuwait, with the event broadcast during a 2025 international conference to highlight Kuwait’s capabilities in remote surgical expertise.

Cross-border cooperation has also seen Kuwaiti surgeons operate on patients in Brazil and vice versa, with one documented procedure recognized by the Guinness World Records for the 12,034.92 km distance between the surgeon and patient. Locally, collaborative efforts between specialized units have resulted in successful remote surgeries for uterine cancer and complex procedures involving gallbladder and kidney removals conducted through synchronous remote and on-site surgical teams.

Al-Sabah emphasized that the success of these initiatives depends on comprehensive training, scientific evaluation, rigorous quality control, and coordinated teamwork. Investment decisions are guided by clinical needs, efficiency, and outcomes, with attention to digital infrastructure, data protection, and sustainable operation.

Regulatory oversight remains a priority, especially concerning qualification standards, professional accountability, and informed consent during remote and robotic surgeries. Emergency response capabilities, technical backup plans, and patient communication about benefits and risks are essential components to ensuring safe and effective use of these technologies.

Looking ahead, Kuwait aims to develop a national healthcare capacity that leverages cutting-edge technology and international collaboration to improve patient safety and quality of life, while positioning the country as a regional leader in advanced medical services. Continued investment in training and strategic partnerships is central to this vision, with remote surgery playing a key role in expanding access to specialized care both within Kuwait and beyond its borders.