It showcased the province’s cutting-edge, multidisciplinary robotic surgery capabilities at the Universitas Academic Hospital.

In collaboration with the Free State Department of Health, African Synergy Health (ASH), CMR Surgical, and Marcus Medical, six robotic-assisted surgeries will be performed on six patients across four specialised fields: urology, hepato-pancreato-biliary, colorectal, and upper gastrointestinal/general surgery. This forms part of ASH’s Mandela Week Surgical Marathon to reduce surgical backlogs in public hospitals.

Beyond the operating room

On Wednesday (23/7), Prof. Corlia Janse van Vuuren, acting dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke about the broader impact of the initiative, emphasising the UFS’ pride in contributing to former President Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better world for all.

She expressed hope for a long-term partnership that will integrate robotic procedures into the training of medical students, surgical residents, and professionals from various healthcare disciplines, equipping them to care for complex patient cases.

“I truly believe the research generated from this initiative can transform the future of health care, both for patients receiving robotic and open surgery. We aim to understand their care holistically,” said  Janse van Vuuren.

She noted the importance of evaluating the project’s success across teaching and learning, research, and engaged scholarship: “We want to make a meaningful contribution to society.”

‘By working together, we can accomplish far more’

Janse van Vuuren confirmed that patients undergoing the surgeries will receive standard post-operative care at the hospital, with follow-up visits coordinated by the surgeons and healthcare teams involved. 

“As the UFS, we are incredibly proud to be part of this initiative – part of the dream,” she added.

ASH founder and director Dr Viola Morolo highlighted the strength of partnerships in achieving shared goals. “We’ve learned that by working together, we can accomplish far more. The success of this initiative is thanks to every contributor – partners, sponsors, and even the patients themselves.”

She explained ASH works alongside the National Department of Health to support provincial health services, strengthen under-resourced hospitals, and deliver life-saving surgical interventions – all while prioritising continuous professional development.

Through this pioneering effort, the UFS and its partners are answering the call to serve, upholding Nelson Mandela’s legacy of compassion, equity, and empowerment.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cg