Guyana is preparing to make medical history on Tuesday with what officials say will be a groundbreaking robotic cardiac procedure connecting surgeons in South America and India through advanced remote technology.
President Irfaan Ali announced the development during Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Fort Island in Essequibo on Monday night, describing it as a milestone in the country’s transformation into a modern, technology-driven nation.
“We will formally set our footprints in the history of healthcare,” Ali said. “The longest-distance surgery in the history of mankind will be performed from the shores of Guyana tomorrow.”
According to the President, the procedure will involve a cardiac surgery being conducted remotely, with a specialist based in India working in coordination with medical teams in Guyana. He said the moment reflects the country’s broader ambition to position itself as a competitive player in global innovation and healthcare.
“This is the country we are building, not afraid to embrace any tool that is necessary to position us as not only a player in the global economy but a competitive player looking to take its place in the front row of global stability, resilience and prosperity,” he added.
The operation will use the SSI Mantra robotic surgical system, developed by SS Innovations, a modular multi-arm platform designed to support minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and reduced recovery time for patients. The system enables surgeons to perform complex operations remotely using robotic controls.
Health officials say the technology is expected to expand access to specialised surgical care across Guyana, including outside the capital Georgetown, with potential reach into regions such as New Amsterdam and Lethem.
The initiative is part of a wider push by the government to modernise the country’s healthcare system through digital and robotic innovation. Officials have described the introduction of the system as a significant step forward in improving surgical outcomes and reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for complex procedures.
The announcement drew strong applause during the Independence ceremony, where it was highlighted as part of what President Ali has referred to as a “Freedom 60” vision for national development.
