The University of the Free State (UFS) and the Free State Department of Health have launched Southern Africa’s first Versius Surgical Robotic System, positioning the region as a pioneer in advanced medical technology.
The system, unveiled March 11 at UFS’s Faculty of Health Sciences, has already facilitated nine successful surgeries—including prostatectomies and gallbladder removals—at Bloemfontein’s Universitas Academic Hospital, signaling a transformative shift in surgical precision and patient recovery.
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae called the rollout a “defining milestone” for regional healthcare, emphasizing its role in curbing surgical complications and accelerating recovery times. “This isn’t just new hardware—it’s a catalyst for reimagining care delivery,” she said, noting the technology aligns with broader efforts to establish the province as a hub for medical innovation. The portable, modular design of the UK-developed Versius allows integration into existing operating theaters without costly renovations, a critical advantage for expanding access in resource-variable settings.
Prof. Freddie Claassen, UFS urology head and among the first surgeons trained on the system, highlighted its dexterity in minimally invasive procedures. Unlike traditional open surgeries requiring large incisions, robotic-assisted methods reduce scarring, pain, and hospitalization periods. “Human hands have limits; these tools enhance precision in tight spaces,” he said. Early data from the February-March 2025 procedures showed patients returning to daily activities 30-50% faster than conventional methods, though long-term studies are pending.
UFS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hester Klopper framed the launch as part of the institution’s push to merge academic rigor with private-sector partnerships. “This isn’t just about cutting-edge tech—it’s about equitable health outcomes,” she said, referencing plans to train surgeons from rural clinics. The R85 million ($4.5 million) system, funded jointly by the province and private donors, aims to address stark disparities: South Africa’s public healthcare sector serves 84% of the population but contends with chronic surgeon shortages and aging infrastructure.
However, the rollout raises questions about scalability. While Versius’s adaptability suits diverse surgical fields—from gynecology to thoracic procedures—broader adoption hinges on funding and training. Prof. Vasu Reddy, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, stressed that robotics “augment, don’t replace, human skill,” adding that the system will fuel studies on AI-assisted diagnostics and post-operative recovery patterns.
For now, the Free State’s bet on robotic surgery sets a precedent in Southern Africa, where only 12% of hospitals currently offer minimally invasive options. As Ghana and Kenya explore similar investments, the Versius launch underscores a growing recognition: bridging healthcare gaps requires marrying innovation with inclusivity. “Precision alone isn’t progress,” Letsoha-Mathae said. “Progress is ensuring every patient, regardless of ZIP code, benefits from it.”
