Dhaka: Bangladesh's first ever robotic rehabilitation centre launched at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has unveiled a new horizon of advanced medical care for persons with disabilities and patients suffering from paralysis.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the pioneering facility opens up a new frontier in therapeutic innovation, offering state-of-the-art robotic assistance to enhance recovery and mobility for patients with long-term neurological conditions. Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum officially inaugurated the robotic rehabilitation centre, where a dedicated team is supported by 57 cutting-edge robots, 22 of which are powered by artificial intelligence.
This advanced setup is designed to deliver highly precise physiotherapy and a range of sophisticated medical treatments, marking a transformative step in patient care. About the centre, Professor Dr Md Abdus Shakur, Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Head of the Robotic Rehabilitation Center, highlighted the rarity of such facilities in South Asia, emphasizing the center's capability for highly accurate physiotherapy and advanced rehabilitation services.
He added that a team of seven biomedical experts from China has conducted specialized training for 29 local doctors and physiotherapists to ensure smooth operation. Among the first beneficiaries are individuals injured during the student-led mass uprising in July, who require long-term care and are receiving robotic rehabilitation services free of charge.
Dr. Shakur further mentioned that the center will gradually open its doors to the general public, with affordable service costs. Established with technical support from China and modeled after facilities in advanced nations, the center received a donation of cutting-edge robotic equipment valued at approximately Tk 30 crore from the Chinese government, he revealed.
This contribution has positioned the facility as one of the most sophisticated robotic rehabilitation centers in South Asia. Dr. Shakur noted that with this facility now operational, patients who once traveled abroad for treatment can now access world-class care locally, reducing the outflow of foreign currency.
During the inauguration, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum visited different sections of the Robotic Rehabilitation Center, located in the basement of the Super Specialized Hospital. She emphasized the need for the center to be sustainable and decentralized, suggesting that such services be extended to other districts.
Nurjahan Begum expressed gratitude to the Government of China for its support in establishing the center. She recounted how, upon visiting the hospital after assuming office, she saw patients in need of better treatment and requested China for assistance, resulting in the provision of 57 robots and training for local professionals.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, speaking as a special guest, expressed gratitude to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus for his visit to China and reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's healthcare development. The envoy highlighted China's swift support in treating burn victims from a recent aviation tragedy and its ongoing efforts to provide low-cost advanced treatment for Bangladeshi citizens.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman expressed hope that BMU would become a central hub for advanced medical technologies, with innovations spreading throughout the country's healthcare system.
BMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahinul Alam described the inauguration as a historic day for the institution, marking the beginning of AI-based medical services in Bangladesh. The center will serve as a "Training of the Trainers Facility," facilitating the dissemination of specialized skills nationwide.
The event, moderated by Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Assistant Proctor Dr. Rifat Rahman, was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Director General of the Directorate General of Health Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar and various BMU officials.