Robotic Surgery, Drones, and Genomic Innovation: The International Hospital of Colombia Ushers in a New Era for Healthcare in Latin America
- The International Hospital of Colombia (HIC) and its Cardiovascular Institute are the first in Colombia to incorporate two Mantra 3 robotic surgical systems—an advanced technology used in cardiac, oncologic, abdominal, and other complex procedures. Their implementation in Bucaramanga positions the city as a strategic center for medical innovation in Latin America and reinforces HIC’s role as a pioneer in the adoption of advanced surgical technologies in the region.
- These developments are complemented by the integration of artificial intelligence across multiple services, including smart outpatient consultations with SahiSmart and continuous patient monitoring through MOE (Medical Observation Engine) in hospitalization and surgery. These technologies enable early identification of clinical risks and improve care delivery. In Latin America—where health systems face structural challenges such as high care demand, shortages of specialized personnel, and limited digital infrastructure—such solutions offer a viable path toward more efficient, safer, and sustainable models of care.
- Another key milestone is the creation of a Center for Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine, which will combine genomic diagnostics to estimate biological age with stem cell therapies aimed at improving tissue regeneration and overall quality of life. This individualized and preventive approach is essential for enabling health systems in Latin America to address emerging challenges, including rapid population aging and the increasing burden of chronic diseases.
Bucaramanga, Colombia, June 2025. The transformation of healthcare is gaining momentum in Colombia. During the second edition of the WELLS Smart Hospitals Symposium, the International Hospital of Colombia (HIC) showcased significant technological advancements to an audience of over 500 participants, including national and international experts. Held in Bucaramanga, the event has emerged as a platform for exploring and advancing innovative solutions in the regional medical landscape.
Among the most important announcements was the incorporation of two Mantra 3 robotic surgical units, developed by SS Innovations in India—considered one of the most advanced platforms globally for minimally invasive surgery. Equipped with artificial intelligence, this system enables high-precision, high-complexity interventions with enhanced stability and surgical safety across specialties such as cardiology, oncology, urology, and general surgery.
HIC will be the first medical center in the country to implement this platform, with specific applications in cardiac surgery and other specialties. The initiative represents a significant step toward the modernization of surgical models in line with the world’s highest standards.
The symposium also featured a project developed in partnership with Black Square, aimed at optimizing hospital logistics through the use of drones to transport medical supplies. This solution will reduce delivery times and bypass barriers such as urban traffic. Implementation is expected to begin in the coming months.
Another key advancement is the expansion of MOE (Medical Observation Engine), a platform that leverages artificial intelligence algorithms to enable real-time clinical monitoring. Currently operational in inpatient and surgical units, the system allows early detection of clinical deterioration, strengthens medical response capabilities, and raises patient safety standards.
In addition, HIC has announced the creation of a Center for Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine, which will incorporate genomic analyses—such as telomere length measurement to estimate biological age—and stem cell-based therapies to support tissue regeneration and improve long-term health outcomes.
To expand access to specialized treatments, the institution will implement new chemotherapy units in various regions of the country. This strategy aims to bring high-complexity care closer to patients and reduce the need for long-distance travel to the main campus in Bucaramanga. This decentralized approach supports stronger oncology care and helps overcome geographic barriers to health services.
“Strategic use of technology must go hand in hand with more human-centered care,” said Dr. Víctor Raúl Castillo, President and CEO of HIC. “Artificial intelligence is now an essential part of both clinical and administrative processes. It’s not the future—it’s the present.”
Through these initiatives, the hospital continues to position itself as a key player in developing innovative solutions for health systems across the region. Its commitment to excellence, applied research, and digital transformation will remain central in upcoming editions of the WELLS symposium, with the next event scheduled for 2026.
