The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) has introduced the Toumai Endoscopic Single-Port Robotic Surgical System, becoming the first hospital in the country to adopt this type of surgical platform.
With clearance from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, the move signals a shift toward more advanced, minimally invasive procedures in local healthcare.
CGHMC president and CEO Kelly Sia said the new system reflects the hospital’s direction toward improving surgical outcomes and expanding access to modern medical technology for Filipino patients.
Smaller Incisions, Faster Recovery
The Toumai system allows doctors to perform complex procedures using a single 2.5 cm incision. Traditional robotic surgeries typically require multiple entry points, but this technology uses one access site for all instruments and a high-definition camera.
This approach reduces trauma to the body, resulting in less visible scarring and shorter recovery periods. Patients may benefit from reduced hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activities.
The system also improves surgical accuracy. Its flexible instruments are designed to move within tight or hard-to-reach areas, offering better control compared to conventional tools while lowering risks such as infection and postoperative pain.
Focus on Patients and Wider Access
For Jason Letran, head of the hospital’s Clinical Operations and Robocare Surgical Center, the value of the technology lies in how it impacts patients beyond the operating room.
He noted that innovations like this are meant to make recovery easier and help patients return sooner to their daily lives.
Teodoro Herbosa echoed this direction, highlighting the government’s goal of making advanced procedures more accessible. During the launch, which was also attended by Jing Quan, Herbosa raised the possibility of including robotic surgery in future PhilHealth coverage.
The proposal aligns with the Department of Health’s broader push to make healthcare services more affordable and patient-centered for Filipinos.
