Marked a historic milestone for IrcadLiban, the leading academy in robotic and nano-surgery education, as Lebanon witnessed its first live robotic surgeries in collaboration with IRCAD France.
This event was held under the patronage of His Excellency President General Joseph Aoun, represented by Minister of Health Professor Rakan Nassereddine, at Mashreq Hospital – Sin El Fil. It was attended by Professor Jacques Marescaux, President of IRCAD Global, Professor Antoine Maalouf, President of Mashreq Hospital and Founder of the academy in Lebanon, along with prominent medical and media figures.
This inauguration was exceptional, symbolizing Lebanon’s strong return to the global medical stage, particularly in advanced robotic surgery. Following the launch, a special meeting took place between Marescaux and Maalouf with the President at Baabda Palace, where they presented the project’s details and its scientific and medical significance.
To reinforce its status, the academy hosted an Iftar banquet in the evening, attended by Minister of Information Dr. Paul Marcos, along with leading journalists, doctors, and participants, concluding a day of outstanding success.
Official Opening Ceremony and Key Speeches
During the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, key figures from the healthcare and academic sectors delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of this achievement in enhancing Lebanon’s position in robotic surgery.
Professor Rakan Nassereddine, Minister of Health, representing His Excellency President General Joseph Aoun, highlighted the significance of this initiative in advancing surgical skills and fostering medical collaboration between Lebanon and France.
Professor Khalil Armach, President of the Lebanese Association of Urological Surgery, praised IrcadLiban’s role in revolutionizing the training of Lebanese and Arab surgeons in the latest robotic surgery techniques.
Mr. Sleiman Haroun, President of the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon, emphasized the academy’s contribution to strengthening Lebanon’s healthcare sector and establishing it as a regional hub for advanced surgeries.
Professor Youssef Bakhash, President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians, stated that the academy would elevate medical training and provide a distinguished scientific platform for Lebanese doctors in the field of advanced surgery.
A message from His Excellency President General Joseph Aoun was read during the ceremony, underscoring the significance of this achievement in enhancing Lebanon’s medical standing globally and supporting initiatives that advance the country’s healthcare and education sectors.
IrcadLiban Training Program: A Leap into the Future
Following the official launch, training sessions and live surgeries between IrcadLiban and IRCAD France commenced, including:
• March 27: Live robotic surgeries, including prostate procedures and partial nephrectomy.
• March 28: Workshops on robotic urological surgery, including sacral hernia repair and radical cystectomy, with live surgical broadcasts.
• March 29: Exploring the future of robotic surgery, including single-port surgery and remote surgery.
Established in 2019 as a non-profit institution, the academy aims to enhance surgical skills using the latest technologies, primarily the advanced Da Vinci surgical system. By attracting top global expertise, IrcadLiban has become a gateway for training Lebanese and Arab surgeons, reinforcing Lebanon’s position as a regional center for innovation in modern surgery.
This event marks a milestone in Lebanese medical history, as IrcadLiban paves the way for a new generation of surgeons equipped with the latest technological advancements, contributing to improved healthcare services both locally and regionally.
