Paraguay has inaugurated the “CER Training Center”, its first Robotic Surgery Training Centre at the Health Sciences Campus of Universidad Católica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Asunción. The new facility will train specialist surgeons in robotic-assisted procedures through theoretical, simulated and practical instruction. The initiative seeks to strengthen Paraguay’s use of robotic technology and potentially attract medical professionals from elsewhere in Latin America.
Training robotic surgeons in Paraguay
The CER Training Center provides specialised preparation for qualified surgeons rather than doctors beginning their medical careers. Participants are expected to have previous surgical experience, including knowledge of laparoscopy and minimally invasive techniques.
The training process begins before surgeons enter the practical programme. Participants complete approximately 10 hours of online preparation and evaluations before moving to an intensive three-day, hands-on stage. Practical training includes virtual simulation and exercises using anatomical models. Surgeons can use these stages to become familiar with robotic equipment and practise movements before progressing to more advanced exercises.
The programme also includes training with animal models to reproduce conditions encountered during surgery. An agreement with the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción allows specialists to train using porcine models in the city of Villeta.
The project had been under development for more than a year. In 2025, Universidad Católica reported discussions with Droguepar and representatives of South Korea’s Meere Company about establishing a robotic surgery training facility in Paraguay. In April 2026, Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) also reported progress on the initiative as part of cooperation with South Korea.
Robotic surgery availability in Paraguay
The new centre represents a milestone for medical training, although robotic surgery itself had already arrived in Paraguay. Paraguayan healthcare institutions introduced robotic systems before the inauguration of the CER Training Center. These included the Versius surgical system at Sanatorio La Costa and South Korea’s Revo-i technology at Sanatorio Santa Bárbara. Meere Company reported that the first Revo-i operation at Santa Bárbara took place in 2025. Paraguayan urologist and robotic surgery specialist Dr Percio Franco performed a radical prostatectomy using the system.
Robotic surgical systems assist doctors rather than independently performing operations. Technology such as Revo-i provides surgeons with a three-dimensional view and articulated instruments designed to reproduce precise movements during minimally invasive procedures. The distinction makes the new centre particularly significant. Paraguay already had doctors performing robot-assisted operations, while the CER Training Center now provides a dedicated facility to develop these skills locally.
Paraguay’s plans for regional medical training
The project could eventually extend beyond Universidad Católica and Paraguay’s private healthcare sector. Representatives involved in the training initiative met with Paraguay’s Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) in May 2026. The meeting explored potential cooperation that could give IPS surgeons access to specialised robotic surgery training.
The MIC has also highlighted the potential to attract medical professionals from other Latin American countries as demand for robotic surgery expertise grows. The inauguration of the CER Training Center strengthens Paraguay’s capacity to prepare specialists locally. At the same time, the initiative could position Asunción as a destination for advanced medical training in the region.
Also read: Paraguay Launches SINATPy Platform To Streamline Organ Transplant System.
