photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 11, 2025 (BSS) – 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.

A total of 21 trainees — including doctors and physiotherapists — are taking part in the training, which is conducting by a Chinese technical team comprising seven biomedical engineers, said a BMU press release. 

BMU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of Rehabilitation Center Implementation Committee Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Head of the upcoming Robotic Rehabilitation Center Professor Dr Md Abdus Shakur, Deputy Director (Hospital) Dr Md Abu Naser, and Deputy Director (Super Specialized Hospital) Dr AK Al Miraj, among others, were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Abul Kalam Azad highlighted that the Chinese government has provided Bangladesh with robotic equipment worth approximately Tk 20 crore to establish a robotic rehabilitation center. 

"Today's training programme has been initiated with the goal of launching this center," he stated.

He expressed his gratitude to both the Chinese government and the interim government of Bangladesh for their support in this endeavor.

Once operational, this center will be the first of its kind in Bangladesh, offering free treatment to those injured in the July uprising, he said.

Additionally, individuals suffering from long-term injuries and requiring rehabilitation will benefit from the services provided at this facility, said the Pro-VC, adding, while primarily focused on rehabilitation, the center will also be accessible to the general public under a structured plan.

He continued, “Efforts will be made to ensure that medical expenses remain affordable for patients.”

With the launch of this center, he said, patients who currently travel abroad for advanced treatment will have access to high-quality care locally, helping to conserve the country's foreign exchange.

He further noted that the center will officially begin operations once the necessary training programmes are completed and the employed workforce has gained the required expertise and capabilities.

Mentioning that there are few robotic rehabilitation centers in South Asia, Professor Dr Md Abdus Shakur said that this center has 62 robots and out of these, 22 are AI-based robots. “Through these, it will be possible to provide various medical services including physiotherapy accurately,” he said.

He added, those injured in the July student uprising, especially need long-term treatment, will be able to get treatment here.

People of the country suffering from numerous diseases and problems such as all types of stroke patients, neurological disorders or life-threatening disabilities, long-term pain, paralysis-related problems, frozen shoulder, weakness due to nerve injury, paralysis-related problems, stiffness in some parts of the body, long-term problems due to accidents and injuries will receive medical services and benefit from this center.

Such patients will be able to return to a healthy and normal life with medical services from this center.

The training programme will continue until May 14.