A groundbreaking initiative for advanced treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from paralysis and long-term neurological disorders is set to be launched in the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU)—the country’s first Robotic Rehabilitation Centre.
The pilot project of the centre will begin on Thursday at the super-specialized hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in Shahbagh, Dhaka.
The centre has been built with technical assistance from China and developed to meet international standards.
Robotic equipment worth nearly Tk20 crore, funded by a grant from the Chinese government, has been installed. Officials say the facility will be considered one of the most advanced robotic rehab centres in South Asia in terms of technology.
The centre houses a total of 62 robots, including 22 powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These robots are programmed to deliver physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, and long-term medical care precisely tailored to a patient’s condition.
Patients suffering from stroke, paralysis, nerve injuries, frozen shoulder, chronic pain, and accident-related complications are expected to benefit significantly from this technology.
to the centre’s opening, a team of seven biomedical engineers from China provided specialized training to 27 Bangladeshi doctors and physiotherapists.
According to BMU authorities, during the pilot phase, these trained professionals will continue to gain hands-on experience. Full-scale operations will begin following successful evaluation and testing.
Rehabilitation treatment at the robotic centre will be provided free of charge to those who suffered paralysis or neurological injuries during the mass uprising of July 2024. The government and BMU authorities are treating this initiative as a priority project.
The centre will not remain limited to a specific group of patients. Services will gradually be opened to the general public. A structured policy is currently being drafted in this regard.
Additionally, steps will be taken to keep treatment costs affordable, taking into account the financial capacity of patients.
Professor Dr Md Abdus Shakur, chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at BMU, said: “Robotic rehabilitation centres are still very rare even across South Asia. Our centre houses 62 robots, including 22 AI-based units. These will enable precise physiotherapy and other therapeutic services.”
“Those injured during the July mass uprising—especially those requiring long-term care—will receive treatment here,” he added.
“All types of stroke patients, individuals with neurological disorders, chronic pain, paralysis-related conditions, frozen shoulder, nerve injury-induced weakness or numbness, muscular stiffness, and long-term complications from accidents or injuries will be eligible for treatment here,” he further added.
“We hope patients will recover and return to a healthy and normal life through the services provided by this centre,” he concluded.