Brazil expands SUS with robotic surgery and combined eye procedures

The Brazilian government has announced significant expansions to the Unified Health System (SUS) regarding advanced surgical technologies. During a visit to Belém, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Health Minister Alexandre Padilha highlighted the first robotic prostate surgery performed in the Amazon region at Hospital São João de Deus.

To support this expansion, the federal government has allocated R$ 50 million to fund robotic prostate operations, aiming to serve 5,000 men. The long-term goal is to establish at least one robotic surgery center in every Brazilian state to reduce regional disparities in access to high-complexity care.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health has officially incorporated a new procedure into the SUS that allows for the simultaneous treatment of cataracts and primary open-angle glaucoma. This new option will be available to the public within 180 days, targeting patients with early to moderate stages of these conditions.