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Miss Chichi Menakaya is a UK-based Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in robotic-assisted hip and knee surgical procedure, with impartial operative experience throughout 5 robotic surgical platforms. She holds a Master’s diploma in Surgical Technology and is the Founder of Annomo Health. Her experience extends past scientific observe to healthcare administration, surgical innovation, specialist training and strategic healthcare growth. She has nonetheless, developed a selected curiosity in advancing surgical excellence via scientific readiness, institutional partnerships, workforce growth and the institution of sustainable, high-quality healthcare techniques, notably throughout Africa. She speaks with Bennett Oghifo on how greatest Nigeria can obtain excellence in robotic surgical procedure, the pitfalls and her expertise in scientific observe, amongst different points. Excepts:
Nigeria is getting into a defining second in surgical innovation. In a landmark demonstration of distant robotic surgical procedure, a surgeon working from Ogun State carried out a process on a affected person in Abuja. In Imo State, robotic-assisted urological surgical procedure is changing into a actuality. How important are they?
They deserve recognition. These achievements display surgical ambition, institutional dedication and the flexibility to ship subtle procedures in Nigeria. I’m equally inspired by the funding in native robotic surgical procedure coaching. The breakthrough is not only performing the primary operation; it’s constructing a service able to delivering protected, constant care lengthy after the primary. The actual measures are affected person outcomes, skilled groups and continuity.
Do you assume Africa is prepared for robotic surgical procedure?
Parts of Africa are prepared. Readiness is decided by the establishment, not the continent. We have extremely succesful surgeons and rising centres with superior capabilities, however a robotic programme additionally wants theatre groups, anaesthesia, upkeep, dependable infrastructure and scientific governance. The query is not whether or not we are able to undertake robotic surgical procedure. It is the place we are able to ship it safely, for whom, and with what measurable profit.
What does a surgical robotic really do?
It assists the surgeon; it doesn’t exchange the surgeon’s judgement. Depending on the platform, robotics can assist enhanced visualisation, instrument management, anatomical planning or precision-guided preparation. In hip and knee substitute, these instruments could assist execute a patient-specific plan extra precisely. Having operated independently throughout 5 robotic platforms, I do know that their capabilities and limitations differ considerably. The proper know-how is the one which serves the affected person and the process, not the opposite means round.
Does robotic surgical procedure produce higher outcomes?
Not routinely. Benefits depend upon the specialty, process, platform and consequence measured. In the 2026 RACER-Knee randomised trial, the Mako-assisted knee substitute method was extra exact however supplied no clinically significant patient-reported profit at one yr and value greater than typical surgical procedure. That discovering doesn’t apply to each robotic system or specialty. Precision is a technical achievement; affected person profit is the scientific take a look at.
With urgent fundamental healthcare wants, ought to African governments make investments in robots?
Essential providers and superior surgical procedure shouldn’t be handled as mutually unique. A robust well being system wants each, however public cash should be allotted towards clear scientific priorities, reasonable demand and alternative prices. Where robotic know-how offers demonstrable worth, funding could also be justified. Where it doesn’t, assets could obtain extra elsewhere. Innovation deserves funding; it doesn’t deserve exemption from scrutiny.
If a governor wished to ascertain a robotic surgical procedure centre, the place would you start?
With an impartial readiness evaluation, not a purchase order order. I’d look at affected person demand, specialty wants, current experience, infrastructure, gear choices, full lifecycle prices and security preparations. Only then ought to a phased scientific programme, workforce plan and consequence framework be agreed. A reputable technique determines whether or not a robotic is required and which platform matches the service. It shouldn’t be written after the gear has been purchased.
What contribution can the African medical diaspora make?
The diaspora can speed up domestically led growth via supervised coaching, college partnerships, analysis, proctoring and mentorship. Nigeria’s rising academies are essential foundations on which to construct. Visiting experience is effective, however lasting affect requires competent native trainers and multidisciplinary groups. The success of information switch is measured by the aptitude that continues to be, not the profile of the visiting professional.
Can robotics cut back medical tourism?
It can assist in chosen specialties, however sufferers don’t journey solely for a machine. They journey for experience, security, reliable scientific techniques and confidence in the total course of remedy. Nigerian centres should be capable to supply these requirements from analysis via surgical procedure, rehabilitation and follow-up. Technology could entice a affected person’s consideration. Trust is what brings that affected person into the working theatre.
What nationwide method would you advocate?
I’d suggest a National Robotic Surgery Readiness and Training Framework constructed on 4 exams: institutional readiness, independently assessed workforce competence, clear affected person outcomes and long-term monetary and technical sustainability. It ought to assist specialty-specific requirements and establish appropriate regional centres, moderately than assume that each hospital wants a robotic. Nigeria has already begun creating surgical and coaching functionality; the chance is to align growth with constant requirements and credible proof.
Where may you contribute personally?
My perspective combines impartial operative expertise throughout 5 robotic platforms with a dedication to surgical training and health-system growth. I can contribute to technology-neutral scientific assessments, programme design, coaching partnerships and analysis of surgical outcomes. These selections ought to all the time be multidisciplinary and evidence-led. I’m in serving to establishments and governments construct lasting functionality, not merely purchase gear.
What would success appear like in ten years?
I’d search for African-led coaching programmes, sturdy scientific registries, credible analysis, established biomedical engineering experience and surgical centres reporting outcomes that stand up to worldwide scrutiny. I’d additionally need African establishments contributing to the design and analysis of latest know-how. Success is when Africa isn’t solely utilizing surgical innovation, however serving to to outline its requirements.
What is your message to governments and healthcare leaders?
Be formidable and demand on self-discipline. Invest in folks alongside platforms, construct protected providers across the gear and measure outcomes moderately than bulletins. The way forward for robotic surgical procedure in Africa needs to be judged by sufferers handled nicely, groups skilled competently and establishments made stronger. A robotic could be bought. Surgical excellence should be constructed.
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