On December 28, 2025, the National Cancer Center of Mongolia (NCCM) performed its first robotic surgery, marking a significant event in the field of surgical treatment in the country.
The implementation of robotic surgery in Mongolia began three years ago. This innovative technology is already used in 69 countries around the world.
The use of robotic surgery provides surgeons with additional support, allowing them to perform high-precision operations. Once this technology is fully localized, it may be possible to conduct surgeries remotely with stable high-speed internet access.
As part of its collaboration with the Korean Society of Liver Transplantation, Mongolia is actively implementing robotic surgery—one of the latest achievements in the field of medicine. Health Minister Chinburën Zhigjidsuren noted that the main goal is to provide Mongolian citizens with modern medical services so that they do not face financial difficulties due to illnesses. He expressed gratitude to young doctors, nurses, and medical teams, wishing them success in their work.
The minister also emphasized that the development of laparoscopic surgery over the past two decades has laid the foundation for the successful implementation of robotic technologies. He believes this will be a significant step forward and instill confidence that advanced global medical technologies will be integrated into Mongolia's healthcare system.
Since 2021, the country has been implementing the project "Creating a National Network for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection," funded with 10 million euros under an agreement between the governments of Mongolia and Austria.
As a result of this project, the National Center for Oncology and Cardiac Surgery received modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, a computed tomography (CT) scanner, an angiograph, and a digital mammography system with artificial intelligence support. These upgrades have brought the center closer to international standards and expanded its capabilities for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
In 2022, the NCCM also updated its radiation therapy technologies by implementing linear accelerators, which expanded the accessibility and capabilities for cancer treatment. Since last year, the center has begun performing surgeries to remove brain tumors that were previously considered inoperable. Moreover, after the successful first liver transplant from a living donor in 2018 in collaboration with surgeons from Samsung Medical Center in South Korea, Mongolian doctors can now independently perform such operations.
