I was honoured to receive a kind invitation to participate in the Libyan Experts Forum, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, in Tripoli from 23 -25 August, where I presented ‘‘A National Vision for Introducing Robotic Surgery to Libya’’ through a safe, phased, and sustainable programme.
The three-day event, held under the slogan “We Meet to Contribute to Shaping the Future,” saw wide participation from about 100 Libyan experts and professionals both within the country and abroad, including specialists from 26 countries.
They represented various scientific and professional fields and specializations, reflecting a diversity of national experiences and competencies.
Robotic surgery is no longer something we see only in movies; it's now a reality in the world's leading hospitals.
But introducing this technology entails far more than simply purchasing a surgical robot; it requires building an integrated national ecosystem. This includes:
· Training and qualifying Libyan medical personnel
· Transferring knowledge and localizing expertise
· Establishing specialized centres
· Developing clinical governance frameworks
· Forging international partnerships to ensure the programme's quality and sustainability.
Libya possesses the talent capable of leading this project. What we need is a unified vision, realistic planning, and the national will to transform this concept into a project that serves Libyan patients and advances the future of surgery in our country.
Surgical robots don't replace surgeons, but they provide greater precision, better control, and clearer vision during operations. This contributes to reduced pain and bleeding, allowing patients to recover and return to their normal lives more quickly.
Medical advancements are progressing rapidly, and Libyan patients have the right to benefit from the latest technologies available globally. Investing in medical technology and training personnel is an investment in human health and the future of the healthcare sector.
With knowledge, development, and determination, we can achieve the healthcare that Libyan citizens deserve.
My sincere thanks and appreciation go to the organizers of the Libya Experts Forum for this kind invitation and for the opportunity to contribute to shaping a better future for healthcare in Libya - towards localizing robotic surgery in Libya.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Shibshoubi Specialist in General, Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgery
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MSc in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
MSc in Medical Law and Professional Ethics
Assistant Professor – University of Bristol
Head of Clinical Audit, Quality Improvement, and Scientific Research – Department of General Surgery
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston – United Kingdom
Libyan Experts Forum Examines Maritime and Logistics Sector Potential