By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman and John Minanga
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could take a significant step towards modernising its healthcare system as Belgium-based ORSI Academy and the University of Kikwit (UNIKIK) join forces to advocate the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery in the country.
The initiative, which seeks to bring advanced surgical technology to a nation of more than 100 million people, reflects a growing determination to improve the quality of healthcare, strengthen surgical expertise and expand access to innovative medical procedures.
The ambition was highlighted during a scientific conference held recently at the University of Kikwit’s Muzito Hall, bringing together political and administrative authorities, medical professionals, researchers, faculty members, medical students and other stakeholders.
Organised by UNIKIK’s Faculty of Medicine under the theme “Introduction of Robotic Surgery in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the conference provided an opportunity to explore the potential benefits of the technology and the prospects for its adoption in the Congolese healthcare system.
Professor Alexandre Mottrie, MD, PhD, Director of ORSI Academy, delivered a detailed presentation on robotic-assisted surgery, explaining how the technology enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility and control.
“Robotic surgery is a cutting-edge technology that goes beyond open surgery. It is a master-slave telemanipulator, meaning that the surgeon makes movements at a console, which are reproduced by instruments inside the patient’s abdomen,” Professor Mottrie explained.
He noted that the technology translates the surgeon’s movements into highly controlled actions, allowing for greater precision during delicate operations.
“This device gives us the possibility of performing laparoscopy in a natural way, with stable instruments whose tips are mobile, allowing very precise manipulation,” he added.
Unlike conventional open surgery, robotic-assisted procedures can be performed through small incisions using specialised instruments controlled by a surgeon. The technology can offer enhanced visualisation, improved instrument dexterity and greater precision, particularly during complex surgical interventions.
For patients, minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery may offer important benefits, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, depending on the procedure and individual circumstances.
Professor Mottrie also highlighted the wider opportunities presented by the technology, particularly its potential to strengthen surgical training and improve the management of complicated medical conditions.
Other ORSI Academy representatives, including Dr Gauthier Kibabu and Professor Ren Yi Kuan, provided further technical insights into robotic surgical systems, their operation and the expertise required for their effective use.
Their presentations underscored the importance of specialised training, institutional partnerships and sustained investment in medical infrastructure to support the successful introduction of robotic surgery in the DRC.
The conference also examined the growing international adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, highlighting experiences from countries including China, India, South Africa, Morocco and Angola.
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, where access to advanced surgical services remains a major challenge, the proposed introduction of robotic technology could open new opportunities for specialised treatment, medical education and international scientific collaboration.
The University of Kikwit is particularly interested in positioning itself as a centre for medical innovation and advanced surgical training, with the long-term ambition of making modern surgical techniques more accessible to Congolese patients.
In his closing remarks, UNIKIK Rector, Full Professor Alphonse Kapumba, reaffirmed the university’s determination to pursue the initiative, describing robotic surgery as an important development that could transform the treatment of complex medical conditions.
“We will do everything to make this robotic surgery ours, for the management of complex surgical procedures such as those relating to the prostate, because people very often die from them. It is a necessity for everyone,” Professor Kapumba declared.
His remarks reflected the university’s commitment to embracing technological advances that could improve healthcare delivery while strengthening the capacity of Congolese medical professionals.
Beyond the technological innovation itself, the initiative raises broader questions about investment in healthcare infrastructure, the training of specialised surgeons, equipment maintenance and the financial accessibility of advanced medical procedures.
Although no implementation timetable or funding arrangements were announced during the conference, the discussions marked an important step towards building institutional support for robotic-assisted surgery in the DRC.
For ORSI Academy and the University of Kikwit, the ambition goes beyond introducing sophisticated medical equipment. It is also about transferring knowledge, developing local expertise and helping position the Democratic Republic of Congo to benefit from advances already transforming surgical practice in other parts of the world.
As the country seeks to modernise its healthcare system, the partnership could provide a foundation for greater international collaboration in medical research, surgical education and specialised patient care.
The challenge now will be translating the enthusiasm generated by the conference into concrete partnerships, sustainable investments and practical measures capable of bringing robotic-assisted surgery within reach of Congolese healthcare institutions and patients.