Iran to Establish Advanced Robotic Telesurgery Center in Indonesia
Iran and Indonesia have entered into a collaborative agreement aiming to establish a cutting-edge robotic remote surgery training center at the Wahidin Sudiro Husodo General Hospital. This partnership focuses on enhancing the skills of surgeons and resident doctors through advanced surgical training based on the latest scientific methods.
The agreement also emphasizes the creation of an interdisciplinary platform that brings together clinical doctors, researchers, and engineers. It aims to foster an environment conducive to promoting innovative ideas in medical education and encouraging new research projects related to medical and surgical interventions.
In May, Iran and Indonesia inked an agreement to bolster cooperation across various technological domains. This significant step was taken during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Jakarta, where a delegation of 13 companies showcased Iran’s capabilities in the health and medical sector. During the visit, these companies engaged in meetings and participated in specialised exhibitions.
Moreover, the two countries finalized discussions on a bilateral trade agreement, highlighting the increasing economic ties between Tehran and Jakarta. Trade between Indonesia and Iran totaled $54.1 million in the initial three months of the current year, demonstrating a growing trade relationship. Last year, the bilateral trade volume surged by more than 23 percent, reaching $257.2 million.
Iran has pledged to assist Indonesia in modernizing its healthcare system by introducing surgical robotics. During a meeting between the leaders of both nations, President Joko Widodo and President Ebrahim Raisi discussed the potential for health cooperation, particularly in the domain of telerobotic surgery.
President Widodo mentioned ongoing projects in telemedicine equipment collaboration in 11 community health centers and expressed interest in technology transfer, joint production ventures with Indonesian state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and collaborations in biotechnology and nanotechnology for various sectors like health, energy, agriculture, and the environment.
In 2021, Iran signed a contract to export Sina surgical robots to Indonesia and agreed to establish advanced telesurgery centers in Bandung and Yogyakarta. Raisi’s visit led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on regulations related to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, signaling expanded market access for Indonesian exports of pharmaceutical products and processed food through a preferential trade agreement.
Iran’s Health Minister Bahram Einollahi highlighted that multiple countries in the region seek Iran’s expertise in healthcare. He emphasized the country’s comprehensive healthcare system and the remarkable advancements in health indicators after the Islamic Revolution. Saeed Karimi, the deputy health minister, emphasized the significant progress Iran has made in the field of health and treatment, positioning the country as a leader in the region.