Tunisia Makes History with the Opening of Its First Robotic Surgery Center

Tunisia's Leap into Robotic Surgery: The Inauguration of the Revo-i Center

On November 24, 2025, Tunisia made a significant stride in the field of medicine with the official opening of the Revo-i Robotic Surgery Center at the Charles Nicolle Hospital, marking a pivotal point for healthcare in North Africa. This milestone event was graced by notable figures, including Joon Koo Kim, CEO of meerecompany, and Mustapha Ferjani, Tunisia's Minister of Health.

The opening ceremony, held on November 11, was attended by various dignitaries, including Korea's Ambassador to Tunisia, Tae-won LEE, and various government representatives. The occasion showcased not only Tunisia's commitment to advancing healthcare but also reflects the strengthening ties between South Korea and Tunisia in the field of medical technology.

Advancements in Healthcare including Robotic Surgery

Minister Ferjani emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "The opening of this robotic surgery center marks a significant advancement for Tunisia's healthcare system. With the introduction of Revo-i, we look forward not only to the growth of robotic surgery, but also to broader exchanges involving Korea's advanced medical technologies.”

His sentiments were echoed by Ambassador LEE, who considered Tunisia’s first robotic surgery as a milestone for the K-medical sector, paving the way for future collaborations. "This will serve as an important starting point for strategic partnerships in advanced medical technologies between our two countries," he stated.

CEO Joon Koo Kim expressed pride in the introduction of the Revo-i surgical robot to Tunisia, referring to the country as a leader in North African medical advancements. He elaborated on the future vision for the robotic surgery program, stating that the center will not only serve Tunisia but will also engage with surgeons from neighboring regions, aiming for a broader impact on surgical practices throughout North Africa.

The First Procedure: A Successful Cholecystectomy

During the inaugural event, the center conducted its very first Revo-i robotic surgery. Dr. Ramzi Nouira, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center and Head of Surgery, skillfully performed a cholecystectomy — the surgical removal of the gallbladder — on a 38-year-old female patient. The operation was reported to be successful, and the patient recovered well, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new surgical technology.

Dr. Nouira's successful stewardship of this pioneering procedure was attributed to his extensive training at the meerecompany headquarters in Korea, along with additional learning from Revo-i reference centers. This diligent preparation ensured a safe and effective first operation. Furthermore, local training sessions allowed the entire robotic surgery team at Charles Nicolle Hospital to begin practicing right away, ensuring smooth operations from day one.

Future Perspectives for Robotic Surgery in North Africa

Ho Kun Lee, Executive Vice President at meerecompany, mentioned their excitement about the strong national interest and the commitment shown by Charles Nicolle Hospital. This enthusiasm is expected to catalyze the growth of robotic surgery not just in Tunisia but positively influence the North African region as a whole. With the introduction of robotic surgeries in Morocco, Uzbekistan, Paraguay, and now Tunisia, it seems that Revo-i's global journey is entering an expansive phase.

The establishment of the Revo-i Robotic Surgery Center in Tunisia is a profound leap toward modernizing healthcare in North Africa. As doctors become equipped with innovative surgical techniques, the future of healthcare in this region looks promising, propelling Tunisia into a new era of advanced medical practices.