RCSI has expanded its international surgical education network with the establishment of two new Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) centres in Egypt and India, strengthening access to high-quality surgical training across both regions.

The new centres, located at Alexandria University in Egypt and Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry, India, will provide surgeons and surgical trainees with the opportunity to develop and enhance essential technical skills through RCSI's internationally recognised Basic Surgical Skills programme.

Alexandria University is home to Egypt's second-largest medical school, admitting approximately 1,000 students annually to its undergraduate medical programme. The new BSS centre will support the development of surgical skills training in the region while also complementing RCSI's established Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination centre in Cairo.

In India, the new centre at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute represents an important step in expanding access to postgraduate surgical education and training opportunities for the growing community of RCSI Affiliate Members across the country. The centre is expected to play a key role in supporting the development of a broader postgraduate education and examination hub in the region.

The establishment of the two centres reflects RCSI's continued commitment to advancing surgical education globally and ensuring that surgeons and trainees have access to high-quality, hands-on skills training regardless of location.

Kieran Ryan, Managing Director, RCSI Surgical Affairs, said: "The establishment of these new Basic Surgical Skills centres marks an important milestone in the continued international growth of RCSI's surgical education activities. By expanding access to structured, high-quality skills training in Egypt and India, we are helping to support the development of surgeons at every stage of their careers and ultimately contributing to better patient care.

“This achievement also reflects the long-term vision and commitment of many colleagues and partners. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Mr Ehab Mansour for his leadership in advancing the partnership with Alexandria University in Egypt, and Dr Raghu Varadarajan for his pivotal role in establishing our collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in India. Their commitment and local expertise have been instrumental in bringing these centres to fruition. I would also like to recognise Professor Ronan O'Connell, past President of RCSI, for his assistance in developing RCSI relationships in India.”

The addition of the Egypt and India centres further strengthens RCSI's global network of surgical education partnerships and reinforces its role in supporting excellence in surgical training worldwide.