Dhaka: A four-day training programme on robotic rehabilitation began today here at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), aiming to launch the first ever robotic rehabilitation center in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 21 trainees, including doctors and physiotherapists, are participating in the training, which is conducted by a Chinese technical team comprising seven biomedical engineers, as mentioned in a BMU press release. BMU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Rehabilitation Center Implementation Committee, Professor Dr. Md Abul Kalam Azad, along with other distinguished officials, attended the inauguration ceremony.
During the event, Abul Kalam Azad revealed that the Chinese government has donated robotic equipment worth approximately Tk 20 crore to aid in establishing the center. He stated, “Today’s training programme has been initiated with the goal of launching this center,” and expressed gratitude to both the Chinese government and the interim government of Bangladesh for their support.
The center, once operational, will offer free treatment to individuals injured in the July uprising and also cater to those needing long-term rehabilitation. The Pro-VC assured that the center will be accessible to the general public under a structured plan, with efforts made to keep medical expenses affordable.
Highlighting the significance of this development, he mentioned that patients who currently travel abroad for advanced treatment will soon have access to quality care locally, conserving the country’s foreign exchange. The center will officially commence operations once the necessary training programmes are completed and the workforce is adequately skilled.
Professor Dr. Md Abdus Shakur noted that the center houses 62 robots, including 22 AI-based robots, which will facilitate accurate medical services such as physiotherapy. He emphasized that the facility will primarily benefit those injured in the July student uprising and others with various medical conditions, enabling them to return to a healthy and normal life.
The training programme is scheduled to continue until May 14.