Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (HKBH) introduced a robotic surgery system which commenced service in September 2026, further enhancing the Hospital’s surgical capabilities and operating facilities. The launching ceremony for the robotic surgery system was successfully held today. Officiated by Professor Philip CHIU Wai Yan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Alexis Cheng, Co-Founder and Vice President of Operations and Business Strategy of Cornerstone Robotics; Dr Eddie HO, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HKBH; and Dr LEUNG Chi Bon, Chief Executive Officer of HKBH, the launch marks a milestone for HKBH in integrating clinical expertise with innovative technology, advancing smart healthcare and enhancing the quality of patient experience.
Equipped with three-dimensional imaging and wristed instruments, the system assists surgeons in performing precise procedures in deep or confined operative spaces, enhancing flexibility, stability, and precision during surgery while helping to reduce surgical trauma and blood loss. The system is currently used primarily in urological and general surgery procedures, providing patients with a wider range of minimally invasive treatment options.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Eddie HO, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HKBH, said: “The introduction of the Sentire® Surgical System enables HKBH to scale new heights in its development as a smart hospital. As the Hospital proceeds with its expansion project, we continue to enhance our medical facilities and introduce innovative medical technologies to strengthen our overall service capabilities and improve the patient experience.”
Dr HO added that HKBH has consistently supported and dovetailed with the Government’s direction to promote the development of life and health technology. By introducing a robotic surgery system developed by a local innovation and technology enterprise, HKBH is facilitating the clinical application of locally developed life and health technology and contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.
Professor Philip CHIU Wai Yan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said: “HKBH’s introduction of the Robotic Surgery System not only strengthens its surgical capabilities, but also highlights the importance of translating locally developed medical technologies into clinical applications. Close collaboration between healthcare institutions and local innovation and technology companies brings together research expertise and clinical experience, offering suitable patients a wider range of minimally invasive treatment options and advancing precise, minimally invasive and intelligent surgery. At the same time, advances in medical technology create new opportunities for young doctors to learn and gain relevant clinical experience.”
Professor CHIU also expressed his hope that the healthcare sector would continue to strengthen collaboration across industry, academia, research and clinical practice to nurture medical talent with both clinical expertise and an innovative mindset, bring the benefits of innovation to more patients, and support Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for medical innovation.
Dr LEUNG Chi Bon, Chief Executive Officer of HKBH, mentioned at the launching ceremony: “With the ageing population and the rising incidence of cancer, public demand for specialist and complex surgical services has increased significantly in recent years. Private healthcare institutions play a vital role in providing related diagnostic and treatment services. In urology, for example, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in Hong Kong, and the demand for treatment has been ever increasing. The robotic surgery system strengthens our surgical team’s ability to manage complex procedures and enhances the overall treatment experience for patients.”
HKBH’s East Kowloon Medical Centre (EKMC) commenced full operations in August 2025. To provide greater convenience for community living in different districts, patients may choose to attend specialist consultations and pre-operative assessments at EKMC. Where clinically appropriate, they may then be referred to HKBH in Kowloon Tong for robotic surgery and return to EKMC for post-operative follow-up and rehabilitation services. Through the Hospital’s integrated “One Hospital, Multiple Sites” strategy, HKBH provides patients with convenient and coordinated care throughout the different stages of the patient journey.
HKBH will also launch a one-year Robotic Surgery Subsidy Programme in November 2026, for eligible patients with prostate cancer. The programme aims to alleviate their financial burden and enable more patients to gain timely access to advanced minimally invasive treatment. Each eligible patient with prostate cancer may receive a subsidy of up to HK$30,000 towards hospital charges. Participating doctors will also provide partial waivers of their ward round fees, reflecting HKBH’s core commitment to patient-centred care.
Looking ahead, the Hospital will continue to explore the application of the system in other suitable specialties and surgical procedures, taking into account clinical needs and service development, with a view to providing patients with a broader range of appropriate treatment options.
