Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital in Casablanca has successfully completed its first robotic surgery, the hospital announced on Tuesday.
The operation, a prostatectomy, was carried out by an all-Moroccan surgical team, using the advanced Da Vinci robotic system surgery
Led by Professor Abdejalil Heddat, a specialist in urological , the procedure marks a major milestone in Morocco’s healthcare sector, blending local medical expertise with cutting-edge technology.
The hospital’s adoption of robotic surgery reflects its push to modernise care and reduce patient recovery times.
Da Vinci Robot enhances surgical precision and recovery
The Da Vinci surgical system is globally acclaimed for allowing surgeons to operate with extreme precision using remote-controlled robotic arms. From a nearby console equipped with high-definition 3D vision, the surgeon manipulates tools that move more steadily and delicately than a human hand.
At Cheikh Khalifa Hospital, this technology enabled smaller incisions, less bleeding, and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.
According to the hospital, these benefits result in shorter hospital stays and faster patient recoveries. Professor Khalid Sair, General Director of the hospital and a surgery expert, described the robotic debut as a major leap for the hospital ecosystem.
He emphasised that the operation was the result of months of preparation and rigorous training for surgical teams.
“The introduction of robotic surgery significantly improves the quality of care,” he said. “It allows for less invasive procedures, reduced bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to daily life.”
Robotic surgery expansion planned across specialities
The success of this first procedure opens the door for a wider rollout of robotic-assisted surgeries in other disciplines. Professor Sair noted that beyond urology, the hospital plans to expand the use of robotics to digestive surgeries—such as colorectal, hepatic, pancreatic, and gastric operations—as well as thoracic and gynaecological procedures.
There are also plans to explore its use in ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and cardiovascular surgery in the near future. The technology, combined with skilled Moroccan professionals, positions the hospital to offer world-class care domestically.
As part of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health, Cheikh Khalifa Hospital is rapidly emerging as a leader in medical innovation in North Africa.
This first robotic surgery not only showcases Morocco’s growing medical capabilities but also reinforces the country’s ambitions to elevate healthcare through technology-driven excellence.
Cheikh Khalifa Hospital signals a new era for Moroccan healthcare
The successful deployment of robotic surgery is a clear signal of Cheikh Khalifa Hospital’s commitment to raising medical standards in Morocco. By investing in sophisticated tools and upskilling local talent, the hospital is paving the way for safer, less invasive surgeries that align with global best practices.
In the long run, this development could reduce the need for medical tourism by enabling Moroccan patients to receive top-tier care at home. It also sets a strong precedent for other hospitals across the country looking to integrate robotics into their surgical programs.
With the first successful robotic prostate surgery behind them, the medical team at Cheikh Khalifa is now preparing for a future where Moroccan-led, high-tech procedures become a routine part of the nation’s healthcare delivery.