Greece Inaugurates First Robotic Surgical System in University Hospital

Greece has taken a significant leap in medical technology with the inauguration of its first robotic surgical system at a university hospital. The da Vinci robotic surgery system, a state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical tool, was officially launched on May 24, 2024, at Aretaieio University Hospital, part of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).

This advanced surgical system, capable of performing a wide range of procedures including general, urological, gynecological, and thoracic surgeries, will be accessible to all patients in Greece. Additionally, it will serve as a valuable training resource for students at NKUA’s School of Medicine and residents from various surgical departments.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Maggineio Amphitheatre of Aretaieio Hospital, was attended by prominent figures including the Rector of NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, Deputy Ministers of Health Dimitris Vartzopoulos and Marios Themistocleous, and Secretary General for Higher Education, Professor Emeritus Odysseus Zoras. Professor Siasos, along with other speakers, highlighted the significance of this development for both healthcare and medical education in Greece.

The da Vinci system’s installation marks a milestone in the Greek healthcare system, ensuring that patients have access to cutting-edge surgical procedures that offer precision and minimally invasive options. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Greek Government and NKUA to reduce inequalities in health and education, aiming for early diagnosis and effective treatment, particularly in the field of oncology, which Aretaieio University Hospital specialises in.

By integrating advanced technology into medical practice, NKUA is committed to providing equal access to innovative treatments and high-quality education for future healthcare professionals.