Category: Uncategorized

Doctor in China, patient in Morocco: How world’s longest remote surgery was performed.

A French doctor in China successfully performed prostate cancer surgery on a patient in Morocco, located 12,000 kilometres away. Using a Chinese-made robot, the doctor performed the world’s longest remote surgery in just two hours.

Sitting in China, a French doctor performed prostate cancer surgery on a patient in Morocco, 12,000 kilometres away.

But how did he pull off this groundbreaking procedure?

The doctor used a Chinese-made robot to carry out the surgery.

On November 16, Youness Ahallal completed the surgery in under two hours, with a one-way latency of just over 100 milliseconds.

This intercontinental surgery has set a record for the world’s longest remote surgery ever performed, with a round-trip transmission distance surpassing 30,000 kilometres, according to Xinhua News Agency.

How was the surgery performed?

The surgery was carried out with the help of the Toumai Robot, which allowed for precise control and high-definition imaging from a remote location in real-time.

This groundbreaking procedure comes after an October surgery for a renal cyst, where the Toumai Robot helped a minimally invasive operation between Shanghai and Cotonou in Benin, with a round-trip distance of 27,000 kilometres.

In Morocco, the robotic arm followed the surgeon’s commands from Shanghai, performing the prostate tumour removal and suturing with exceptional accuracy, while ensuring the preservation of the vascular-nerve bundle and maintaining the urethra’s length.

Despite relying on a standard broadband connection instead of 5G technology, the video feed remained clear and smooth. The robot’s flexibility, precision, and stability were crucial in carrying out this high-complexity surgery, Ahallah told the news agency.

Notably, this form of remote surgery can increase access to skilled surgeons worldwide, eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad. It also provides a platform for senior surgeons to remotely guide junior colleagues in handling complex procedures.

Will remote surgery become routine practice?

He Chao, president of MicroPort MedBot, the company behind the Toumai Robot, told Xinhua news agency that this remote technology is set to bring “disruptive changes to future medical services.”

“Our goal is to make remote surgery a routine practice.”

Surgical robots have emerged as a key area of focus for Chinese tech startups in recent years. According to a recent industry report, China’s surgical robot market is projected to grow to $38.4 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate surpassing the global average.

The rapid expansion of 5G networks in China is expected to accelerate the adoption of remote surgery, making it a more practical and widely accessible option for healthcare services.

He Chao revealed that the Toumai Robot has already been involved in over 250 successful 5G ultra-long-distance surgeries, with a 100% success rate and a total transmission distance exceeding 400,000 kilometres.

As of August, China had over 4 million 5G base stations, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The Toumai Robot, which received EU CE certification in May, is now authorised for use in various surgeries, including urology, general surgery, thoracic surgery, and gynaecological endoscopy.

World’s first transcontinental remote surgery

Earlier this year, a Chinese surgeon made history by performing the world’s first live transcontinental remote robotic prostate removal – an operation carried out in Rome on a patient located in Beijing.

This groundbreaking telesurgery, which helped cover a distance of 8,000km (about 5,000 miles), was performed through a 5G network and fibre-optic connections linking a surgical console in Italy to robotic arms in China, according to the South China Morning Post.

While Zhang Xu, the surgeon, conducted the radical prostatectomy from Italy, a medical team and a backup surgeon were present in China to help the patient. The robotic arms in China imitated every movement Zhang made to remove the cancerous tissue.

The total two-way communication distance was over 20,000km, which was a huge challenge due to the potential latency, or delay, between the surgeon’s console and the robotic arms’ response.

Vito Pansadoro, one of the conference directors and a robotic surgery expert, described the event as “a historical experience, a historical moment,” during an interview with state broadcaster CCTV.

ALSO READ | Robot MD: Doctors get AI-powered robot to successfully perform surgery after training it with videos

Before carrying out the prostate telesurgery, Zhang and his team conducted more than a hundred experimental remote surgeries on animals, along with exploratory and small-scale human patient trials, according to People’s Daily.

Surgical robot system in India

India has also developed its indigenous surgical robot system, the SSI Mantra, designed by Sudhir Srivastava. This system allows surgeons to perform robotic surgery even when they are not physically close to the patient.

The SSI Mantra features a modular design with more than five detachable arms, making it versatile for complex procedures, including heart surgery.

Srivastava, who previously worked on the Da Vinci robotic system, wanted to create a device that would be both affordable and accessible in India, as 90% of existing systems were used in the US and Japan, he told India Today.

In 2012, he began developing what would become India’s first surgical robot, the SSI Mantra.

With inputs from agencies

source/content: firstpost.com (headline edited)

_______________

Dr Youness Ahallal completed the surgery in under two hours. Image courtesy: X/@ChineseCGMumbai

_________________________

FRENCH / MOROCCAN

Morocco has bolstered its global insurance standing with Bachir Baddou’s election, marking a significant step for African and Arab insurance sectors.

Bachir Baddou, Vice President of the Moroccan Federation of Insurance (FMA), has been elected Vice President of the Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) during its General Assembly in Cape Town on December 4, 2024. This marks a significant achievement for Morocco, as well as the African and Arab insurance sectors, in a global context.

Baddou, a member of the GFIA Executive Committee since 2016, has been recognized as the first Arab and African to hold a position in this key decision-making body. His election reflects growing recognition of Morocco’s contributions to the international insurance industry.

The GFIA, representing 89% of global insurance premiums through 42 member associations and one observer association from 68 countries, serves as the world’s foremost organization for insurers. It plays a crucial role in addressing shared challenges in the sector and engaging with international regulatory bodies.

The elections in Cape Town also saw the appointment of Stephen Frank of Canada as GFIA President. Other key members of the new leadership include Thea Utoft Høj Jensen from Insaurance Europe as Secretary-General, Toyonari Sasaki of Japan as Treasurer, Andrew Hall of Australia as Regional Representative, and Norma Alicia of Mexico as Head of Memberships.

Morocco’s active participation in the GFIA is part of broader efforts by the FMA to strengthen international cooperation and promote innovative approaches within the insurance sector. The federation’s work, led by its president Mohamed Hassan Bensalah, has contributed to the country’s growing influence in global insurance discussions.

The GFIA continues to address key issues affecting the industry, including regulatory frameworks, market accessibility, and global risk management strategies. Baddou’s election as vice president is expected to enhance Morocco’s role in these critical conversations, providing a platform to advocate for the perspectives of emerging markets and African economies.

This development showcase the increasing presence of Moroccan and African voices in global financial organizations as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international collaboration in the insurance sector.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

____________

Bachir Baddou

____________

MOROCCO

The ‘Rig 1938’ tower made two entries in the Guinness Book of Records, as the world tallest water slide tower with a height of 76.309 meters; and the first tower of its kind to have 12 water slides.

General Manager and Chairman of Qetaifan Projects Company, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said in a press conference that the tower provides an exceptional experience that enhances Qatar’s position as a world class global tourist.

He added that the tower is not just an entertainment landmark, but a symbol that expresses Qatari culture and promotes creativity.

The tower, which is 85 meters high and includes 12 water slides, is an architectural masterpiece inspired by the history of oil and gas discovery in Qatar. It was designed according to the highest safety standards to be suitable for all age groups to enhance the visitor experience.

The tower is located in the heart of Meryal City, which extends over an area of 281 thousand square meters, and is one of the largest water parks in the region, with 36 innovative water games.

Meryal is part of Qetaifan Island North, which is an integrated tourism project extending over an area of 1.3 million square meters, and includes multiple facilities as well as residential, educational and health projects, making it a destination that combines authenticity and innovation. 

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

____________

__________

QATAR

Wafaa bint Saeed al Simriyah, a former talented basketball player, has become the first Omani woman to earn an international badge as a basketball court referee. She has been a certified basketball referee for several basketball tournaments.

The International Basketball Federation recently announced its roster of international referees for the term 2023-2025, and among the distinguished names is Wafaa bint Saeed al Simriyah from Oman. This is considered a historic achievement for Oman and marks her career as the first Omani female referee to receive this credential.

Wafaa had embarked on her basketball journey in 2012 with the Caledonian College of Engineering team, eventually joining the Omani national team and showcasing her skills in the 2019 Gulf Championship.

Representing the Ahli Sadab Club and the Petroleum Development Oman team in local tournaments, she said, “I chose basketball because it is one of the games I enjoyed playing the most since I was very young.”

Her list of accomplishments includes triumphs in various local championships, such as the Federation Championship, Basketball Trios Championship, Sultan University Championship, Corporate Championship, and internal championships of the Petroleum Development Oman Company. Notably, she has secured the top scorer award and best player award in many of the championships.

Transitioning to refereeing in 2019, Wafaa earned the International Refereeing Certificate for Backgammon Referees in 2020. Her journey into refereeing involved officiating in internal championships and leagues across different age categories.

Reflecting on this shift, she said, “As a player, my focus was on skill and tactics, but when I became involved in refereeing, I learned how to get a comprehensive grasp of all aspects of the game from a referee’s perspective.”

In 2020, Wafaa began officiating in internal championships and leagues across various age categories. She also took part in external camps in Kuwait and Qatar, which included matches.

Omani referees are currently recognised as elite, actively contributing to the refereeing of major continental competitions. With pride, she noted, “Our referees participate in refereeing the largest continental competitions.”

Recently awarded the international badge for the 2023-2025 session, she said it served as a motivation to intensify her efforts in this field. Her goal is to be fully prepared for any external assignment, emphasising, “I want to represent Oman optimally. I hope that obtaining this badge will motivate my fellow players to also engage in refereeing some day.”

To Omani female athletes, she offered valuable advice, saying, “Continue your efforts, develop your skills, set tough goals, and aim high. It requires a lot of effort and patience but you will reach your goals with dedication and hard work.”

Wafaa was, however, skeptical about the prospects of Oman hosting world championships, due to logistic constraints. Nevertheless, she said, “I hope to see Omani women’s basketball teams on the podium in coming years. We are capable of that.”

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

___________

__________

OMAN

The Arab League announced today the launch of the Arab Common Electricity Market, in a step aimed at achieving regional integration in the field of electrical energy.

This was announced during the 15th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity, which was held in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt.

The meeting was attended by electricity and energy ministers and delegations from 22 Arab countries. During the meeting, two agreements were signed: the “General Agreement,” which defines the goals of the market and mechanisms for its development, and the “Market Agreement,” which sets the institutional and commercial framework for the market, including governance of operations and cooperation between member states.

The agreements were signed by the UAE, Kuwait, Palestine, Syria, Egypt,Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Morocco, and Jordan.

The goal of this market is to enhance the stability of electricity supplies, reduce costs, support investments in renewable energy, establish the position of Arab countries as major exporters of clean energy globally, improve electricity consumption efficiency, and expand developmental projects, thereby strengthening the national energy strategies of the member states.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

__________

________

ARAB

Monumental mural recreates a historical photograph of the founding fathers.

 Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has officially unveiled the Zayed and Rashid Mural, the world’s largest mosaic art installation in Hatta, which pays tribute to the memory of the UAE’s founding fathers, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The launch forms part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign, which celebrates key national occasions from Flag Day on 3 November to the 53rd Eid Al Etihad on 2 December.

The monumental 2,198.7 square metre mural on the slope of the Hatta Dam Water Falls, recreates a historical photograph of the founding fathers dating back to the time of the foundation of the UAE. The mosaic replaces a mural on the Hatta Dam Water Falls that also honoured the legacy of the UAE’s leaders. The mural has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest mosaic artwork.

The awe-inspiring artwork forms part of the latest edition of the Dubai Street Museum, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, in 2016, to highlight Dubai’s unique cultural identity, history, values and aspirations by creating distinctive public artworks across the emirate.

The project, part of the latest edition of the Dubai Street Museum, is aligned with Brand Dubai’s aim to create public artworks that not only tell the UAE’s remarkable story in powerful ways but also introduce iconic images that transform the community and visitors’ experience of key destinations. By working with both local and international artists, we seek to launch projects that enrich public spaces through art and creativity.”

The public art project was led by the Russian artist Sergey Korbasov, with the support of over 100 local and international artisans hailing from around the globe. They worked for over four months to handcraft the mosaic using 1.2 million individual pieces, each measuring 5 x 5 cm, in a remarkable demonstration of artistic excellence.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hajar mountains, the mosaic incorporates natural materials from the Hatta region, including rocks and soil, ensuring the artwork resonates with the local environment and heritage.

The waterfall cascading along the slope of the Hatta Dam adds another element of natural beauty to the installation. Crafted with innovative techniques, the mosaic’s colour scheme is inspired by the traditional attire of the founding fathers, imbuing the artwork with both historical and emotional depth.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

_____________

Image credit : WAM

__________________________________

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

The 12th World Urban Forum (WUF), hosted in Cairo from November 4 to 8, achieved record-breaking levels of attendance and participation, as confirmed by UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Ana Claudia Rusbach.

She extended her gratitude to Egypt for the forum’s unprecedented success, highlighting Cairo’s contributions to making this year’s forum the most well-attended in its history.

During the closing-day press conference, Rusbach underscored the significance of the turnout, affirming that this year’s forum exceeded all previous benchmarks. Joining her at the conference were prominent Egyptian officials, including Egypt’s Minister of Local Development Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Housing Eng. Sherif El-Sherbini, and Cairo’s Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber.

Rusbach highlighted the value of collaboration between governments and local communities, particularly in addressing critical housing and climate challenges. She emphasized that adequate housing is a fundamental human right and underlined the importance of collective action in managing climate change’s impacts.

The forum spotlighted housing and urban development challenges, with discussions focusing on sustainable solutions, affordable housing access, and resilience in the face of climate threats. The event underscored the role of cities in advancing human rights and fostering community-driven solutions through international cooperation.

source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)

____________

__________

EGYPT

Egyptian architectural historian May El-Ibrashy is among the winners of the 2022 Prince Claus Impacts awards for her contribution and innovation in her community.

The Prince Claus Fund has announced on Tuesday the six recipients of the first 2022 Prince Claus Impact Awards. 

The new award honours individuals whose work in art and culture engages their communities in innovative, positive ways while addressing issues of urgent contemporary relevance.

El-Ibrashy is an architect whose work centres on community engagement through heritage conservation, rehabilitation, preservation, and re-signification. She is the founder of the Megawra Built Environment Collective, a twinship between an architectural firm and an NGO.

Through her work she has managed to create a real difference for the often-marginalised communities living in Cairo’s historic centre and has created an important counter narrative to the current government’s focus on urban expansion and renewal, creating a new sense of hope and pride for the communities she works with. 

Focusing on Al-Khalifa District in Sayeda Zeinab, Al-Hattaba district by the citadel, and Al-Imam Al-Shafii district, El-Ibrashy’s participatory conservation initiative is an inspiring successful community dialogue that has been going on for 10 years. The impact of the dialogue still resonates in the communities of Al Khalifa District, Al-Hattaba and Al-Imam Al-Shafii.

The other five recipients are: 

Ailton Alves Lacerda Krenak (Brazil), an indigenous leader, environmentalist, and philosopher.

Alain Gomis (Senegal), a Senegalese-French film director and screenwriter.

Hassan Darsi (Morocco), a visual artist whose work promotes critical thinking about public spaces and citizenship.

Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara (Cuba), an artist and human rights defender.

María Medrano (Argentina) is a writer, poet and editor.

The Awards Ceremony shall take place in the Royal Palace Amsterdam on the 7th of December.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

_____________

__________

EGYPT