ADK Hospital Performs Maldives' First Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery
ADK Hospital has marked a new chapter in advanced orthopaedic care, becoming the first hospital in the Maldives to perform robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery. The historic procedures took place on 6 September 2026, using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution from DePuy Synthes, part of Johnson & Johnson.
Two patients — a 64-year-old woman and a 74-year-old woman — underwent successful total knee replacement surgery using the new robotic-assisted technology, marking the beginning of a new era in joint replacement care in the country.
Precision Technology, Better Patient Outcomes
Combining surgical expertise with robotic precision, VELYS helps surgeons tailor each procedure to the patient's individual knee anatomy, supporting more accurate bone preparation and implant positioning. With the surgeon in control throughout the procedure, the technology is designed to enhance — not replace — clinical judgement and skill.
For patients, the potential benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement include:
Less postoperative pain
Improved early mobility
A shorter hospital stay, depending on individual recovery
By strengthening precision and consistency in surgical outcomes, ADK Hospital aims to help patients return to more active, independent lives sooner.
Building on Two Decades of Orthopaedic Excellence
ADK Hospital performed the first total knee replacement surgery in the Maldives on 16 January 2002 — a landmark moment in the country's orthopaedic history. The launch of robotic-assisted knee surgery today builds on that legacy, marking the next milestone in ADK's orthopaedic journey and bringing the Maldives in line with global advances in joint replacement care.
The procedures were led by Dr. Shakeel, who becomes the first surgeon in the Maldives to perform robotic-assisted surgery, with support from the clinical and training team at Johnson & Johnson, including Dr. Arumugam Subramanian. Dr. Shakeel has been instrumental in driving this initiative since 2023, evaluating multiple robotic platforms before determining that VELYS was the right fit for ADK Hospital and its patients.
A Commitment to Advanced Healthcare in the Maldives
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Ahmed Nashid, Chairman and CEO of ADK Group of Companies, reaffirmed the hospital's long-term commitment to bringing advanced medical technology to the Maldives, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for specialised treatment.
"With the surgeon in control throughout, this technology strengthens ADK Hospital's commitment to bringing advanced treatment options to the Maldives and helping patients return to more active, independent lives," Mr. Nashid said.
The Chairman also acknowledged the encouragement given by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu towards investment in healthcare, particularly in developing specialised services that are currently unavailable in the country, noting that ADK's investment in robotic surgery is part of this broader national direction.
ADK Hospital extended its appreciation to Johnson & Johnson and the VELYS team for their partnership in introducing the technology, training, and clinical support necessary to establish the programme.
Looking Ahead
The launch of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is part of ADK Hospital's continued investment in infrastructure, technology and human capital. The hospital's upcoming 13-storey building will provide greater capacity for expanding specialised healthcare services, and ADK has also expressed plans to introduce comprehensive nuclear medicine and radiotherapy services in the Maldives, in collaboration with a renowned hospital in India, subject to government approval.