Antigua and Barbuda could introduce robotic surgery for prostate cancer as the government considers a proposal to expand screening, treatment and advanced surgical services in the country.

Internationally recognised urologic oncologist and robotic surgeon Dr. David Samadi presented the proposal to Cabinet on Wednesday, according to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.

Merchant said the presentation focused on opportunities to improve early detection of prostate cancer and provide more advanced treatment options for men diagnosed with the disease.

Samadi told Cabinet he has performed more than 11,000 robotic surgeries during his career and has experience in open, laparoscopic and robotic prostate surgery.

He also outlined his work in the Dominican Republic, where he helped develop a robotic surgery programme and continues to provide specialist services to patients from across the region.

Merchant said Cabinet was enthusiastic about the presentation and the possibility of working with Samadi to develop similar services in Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet has asked Samadi to prepare and submit a comprehensive concept document and proposal before any decision is made on establishing the programme.

The proposal is expected to outline the services that could be offered, the equipment and infrastructure required and the financial and operational requirements of establishing the programme.

It will also address opportunities to train local health care professionals and possible arrangements for specialist doctors to visit Antigua and Barbuda to provide services.

Samadi indicated that he is willing to work with the government and the local medical community to further develop the proposal.

No estimated cost or timeline for introducing robotic prostate surgery was announced during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Could Introduce Robotic Prostate Surgery Programme.