UK plans to increase robot-assisted surgeries to 500,000 by 2035

The UK performs around 70,000 robot-assisted surgeries annually, with plans to increase this number to half a million by 2035, BBC Health reported.

The government has allocated £100 million in the recent budget to accelerate the deployment of robotic systems in operating theatres across England.

Supporters of the technology argue that robotic surgeries benefit both patients and surgeons, though questions remain about the strength of the evidence and the high costs involved.

BBC Health featured insights from surgeons and patients at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, alongside expert discussions on the advantages and challenges of robotic surgery technology.

The expansion reflects a strategic investment in NHS surgical capabilities, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery through technological innovation.