Kiambu launches digital surgery platform to connect local doctors with global specialists

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi witnessed the county's first telemedicine surgery at Kiambu Level Five Hospital, where doctors used the Proximie system to conduct and share a live surgical procedure.

During the demonstration, the governor watched a live caesarean section from the county headquarters alongside teams of doctors based at Thika Level Five Hospital and in the United Kingdom.

The technology allows operating theatres to be equipped with high-quality cameras and digital communication systems that transmit live video and audio during procedures. Surgeons and medical experts located elsewhere can observe operations in real time, provide guidance, offer second opinions and participate in training without being physically present in the theatre.

"The system enables inter-hospital and inter-county collaboration, allowing doctors from different facilities to learn from and audit each other," said Wamatangi.

He described the launch as a significant milestone in the county's healthcare transformation programme.

"This is a major milestone for county health care, which has been undergoing significant transformation," he said.

The Proximie platform, which is already being used in hospitals across several countries, digitises operating rooms by connecting people, medical devices and clinical data through a secure cloud-based system.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other officials witnessing the county's first telemedicine surgery at Kiambu Level Five Hospital/HANDOUT

According to the company, the technology allows real-time remote access to operating theatres, enabling observation, mentorship, consultation and surgical education from anywhere in the world. It also creates a secure digital record of procedures for training, review and quality improvement.

Healthcare experts say such systems can help bridge geographical barriers that often limit access to specialised medical expertise, especially in developing healthcare systems.

According to information published by Proximie, surgeons can securely connect to an operation remotely using live audio and video feeds, while collaborative tools allow specialists to provide guidance and feedback during procedures. The system can also be used to build libraries of recorded procedures that support training and continuous professional development.

The technology has increasingly been adopted as healthcare systems seek to improve access to specialised surgical knowledge and strengthen training opportunities for medical personnel.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi/HANDOUT

Earlier this year, Kiambu Level Five Hospital joined a global digital health network after installing the Proximie system. The facility's management said the technology would enable local surgeons to connect with specialists around the world, improving collaboration and enhancing surgical training. The hospital noted that recorded procedures could also be used for research, learning and quality improvement initiatives.

For residents of Kiambu County, the introduction of telemedicine surgery is expected to improve access to specialist expertise without patients necessarily having to travel to referral hospitals or seek consultations outside the county.

Through virtual collaboration, local surgeons can benefit from the experience of specialists in different medical fields, potentially improving decision-making and patient outcomes.

Medical training is also expected to receive a boost. The platform enables doctors, surgeons, nurses and medical students to observe procedures remotely and learn from experienced practitioners.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other officials witnessing the county's first telemedicine surgery at Kiambu Level Five Hospital/HANDOUT

Experts say such virtual mentorship programmes can help accelerate skills development while promoting standardisation of surgical practices across healthcare facilities.

Globally, digital surgery technologies are increasingly being viewed as tools that can help address shortages of specialist healthcare workers. By connecting surgeons in different locations, hospitals can access expert advice during complex procedures and support continuous learning among medical teams.

The launch places Kiambu among a growing number of counties embracing digital health innovations to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Healthcare officials believe the technology will not only improve collaboration among doctors but also contribute to higher standards of patient care through knowledge sharing, mentorship and continuous quality improvement.

As the county expands the use of telemedicine and digital health solutions, officials hope the initiative will enhance access to specialised healthcare services and position Kiambu as a leader in the adoption of technology-driven healthcare in Kenya.