Brazil healthcare sector sees robotic surgery expansion and funding shifts

Public and private healthcare sectors in Brazil are undergoing significant technological and financial shifts. The Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG) is set to become the first federal university hospital in the country to implement robotic surgery for SUS patients, focusing initially on urology. This follows trends in the private sector, such as the Institute of Robotic Surgery of the Triângulo (ICR.T), which recorded nearly 200 robotic procedures in 2026.

Financially, the Minas Gerais government has increased the budget for its 'Opera Mais' program to R$ 445 million for 2026 to fund elective surgeries. In Mato Grosso, a proposal has been submitted to the Court of Accounts to increase annual transfers to the Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital (HCanMT) by R$ 19 million, which includes expanding bed capacity.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Minas Gerais have issued warnings regarding scams where criminals impersonate hospital staff to demand fraudulent payments for SUS services. In Bahia, investments are being directed toward expanding specialized diagnostic and hospital services in Vitória da Conquista and Itapetinga.