Morocco advances in robotic surgery: A new era in healthcare

Wednesday 28 May 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco advances in robotic surgery: A new era in healthcare

Oncorad aims to enhance access to robotic surgery across Morocco and establish the country as a beacon of medical innovation.

Morocco has recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking its first year of robotic surgery. The Oncorad Group has heralded this innovation as a transformative element for the nation’s healthcare system.

The journey commenced on May 27 of last year, when Oncorad performed its inaugural robotic operation. Since then, the organization has completed 178 procedures utilizing this advanced technology, predominantly in the field of urology, which includes over 100 surgeries addressing prostate cancer.

A groundbreaking achievement occurred in November, when a Moroccan surgeon conducted a remote operation on a patient located in Shanghai, setting a world record for the longest-distance telesurgery at an impressive 12,000 kilometers. This was shortly followed by another remote surgery connecting Casablanca and Tangier.

Dr. Younes Ahalal, the leading expert behind these pioneering operations, remarked, “Within just a year, Morocco has joined the ranks of global pioneers in robotic surgery. This type of work was once restricted to the world's tech giants; now, it is within our reach.”

In addition to surgical advancements, Oncorad has placed a strong emphasis on training. The group has hosted a series of workshops across various specialties and participated in major medical conferences in locations ranging from Marrakech to Bordeaux and Thailand.

Founded in 2000, Oncorad operates centers in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangier. The organization is recognized for its commitment to high-tech healthcare solutions, including AI-assisted imaging and precision radiotherapy.

The group aspires to broaden access to robotic surgery throughout Morocco, aiming to position the country as a regional trailblazer in medical innovation.

Despite these advancements, Morocco's infrastructure for robotic surgery remains modest yet is steadily growing. The public hospital in Agadir has recently adopted a South Korean Revo-I system, while the private AKDITAL network in Casablanca features several Da Vinci Xi robots. These systems facilitate minimally invasive procedures across urology, digestive surgery, gynecology, and ENT.

The Moroccan health ministry has plans to equip every major university hospital with a robotic system, signaling a commitment to expanding this technology.

However, the high cost of robotic surgery, approximately MAD 80,000 per procedure, poses a challenge, as many patients must cover these expenses out of pocket due to limited insurance coverage. Authorities are actively discussing reimbursement plans, with broader public implementation on the horizon.

The potential of remote surgery to revolutionize care in rural areas is notable. In May 2025, a patient in Laâyoune underwent a remote procedure conducted by a surgeon in Casablanca, showcasing the technology’s capability to enhance healthcare access in remote regions.

Training remains a focal point for the future. Initial procedures were overseen by foreign and diaspora experts, but Moroccan teams are swiftly gaining experience, with local surgeons expected to take the lead in upcoming operations.

The collaboration among the government, private sector, and medical organizations aims to make robotic surgery mainstream by 2030. If successful, Morocco could emerge as a regional hub for surgical innovation, marking a promising future for the nation's healthcare landscape.