Partnership to expand surgical robots adoption in India and Sri Lanka

Freehand, a UK-based medtech company, has announced a partnership with Imperial Medical Solutions (IMS), a clinician-led healthcare consultancy, to support the adoption of its surgical robots by hospitals in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Caribbean.

Freehand, whose robots support keyhole procedures by providing rock-steady images to surgeons and removing the need for camera-holding assistants in theatre, will work with IMS to introduce its technology to several international healthcare markets in conjunction with local distributors.

IMS is leveraging its extensive clinical experience and international network to drive healthcare digitisation in developing markets. It is already working with Freehand and a prestigious University in the Caribbean to roll-out Freehand’s surgical robots in hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Ram Senasi, chairman of Imperial Medical Solutions, and consultant paediatric radiologist in the NHS, said: “IMS is taking proven, agile and affordable medical technology to countries early in their digital medicine journey. We see Freehand as an important partner in our mission to reduce the gap in medical outcomes between rich and poor and democratise access to best medical care. We only introduce technology that we are 100% sure makes a difference to patient care and outcomes, and we look looking forward to working closely with Freehand and our partners around the world to improve the safety and efficiency of minimally invasive and digital medicine procedures.”

Professor Tan Arulampalam MD FRCS, chief executive officer at Imperial Medical Solutions, said: “As a practicing surgeon and CEO of IMS I am delighted to be working in partnership with Freehand. The robotic camera holder has been evaluated by my team and we have published in the peer reviewed literature on just how easy it is to train surgeons to use this technology and how helpful it is to the surgeon as well as the healthcare provider in terms of rock-solid image and freeing up staff for other duties. The Freehand experience allows robotic surgery to enter any operating room and begin the important journey into the surgical digital ecosystem that we all want to travel. There are benefits for the surgeon in terms of cognitive wellbeing as well as great value for healthcare systems.”

Freehand’s robots have been used in more than 15,000 laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures to date, at hospitals including The Royal London Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital and Royal Papworth Hospital.