KUWAIT CITY, Sept 23: In a groundbreaking global medical milestone, a Kuwaiti surgical team has successfully performed the world’s first remote robotic surgery across a distance of over 12,000 kilometers — placing Kuwait at the forefront of international medical innovation.

The Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that the historic operation was conducted using the advanced Edge Robotics system at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait, while the patient — a man in his thirties — was situated at Cruz Vermelha Hospital in Curitiba, Brazil. The procedure was executed with full success and without complications.

Describing the operation as a “global precedent,” the ministry emphasized in a press statement that the surgery was requested by the Brazilian hospital — a testament to the growing international confidence in Kuwait’s medical capabilities and expertise.

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, who personally attended the procedure, hailed the achievement as “unprecedented,” calling it a qualitative addition to Kuwait’s expanding record of medical excellence.

“This success places us among the ranks of global leaders,” Dr. Al-Awadhi said, adding that the achievement is a direct reflection of the strength of Kuwait’s national medical competencies. He attributed the success to the support and vision of the country's leadership, represented by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister — may God protect them all.

The surgical team was led by Dr. Suleiman Al-Mazidi, Head of the Surgery Department at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, along with Dr. Muhannad Al-Haddad and Dr. Hamoud Al-Rashidi. The ministry noted that the operation’s success highlights the integrated efforts of a highly skilled team operating at the cutting edge of medical technology.

Dr. Al-Mazidi extended his heartfelt thanks to Minister Al-Awadhi for his continuous support and to the Ministry’s Undersecretary Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for his diligent oversight. “This success is the fruit of teamwork and accumulated expertise,” he stated, acknowledging everyone who played a role in the historic accomplishment.

The operation not only marked a new chapter for Kuwaiti medicine but also opened new frontiers for transcontinental robotic surgery, further cementing Kuwait’s role as a pioneering force in shaping the future of global healthcare.

During the world’s first 12,000 km remote robotic surgery performed by the Kuwaiti medical team.