In a leap for Bangladesh’s healthcare sector, the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Superspecialised Hospital in Shahbagh, Dhaka, is set to launch the country’s first robotic rehabilitation centre on July 10.

This state-of-the-art facility, developed with technical assistance from China, positions Bangladesh as a trailblazer in South Asia’s medical landscape, offering hope to patients with paralysis, neurological disorders, and long-term injuries through cutting-edge robotic technology.

The centre, equipped with 62 robots—including 22 powered by artificial intelligence (AI)—was established with a donation of equipment worth Tk 200 million from the Chinese government. Designed to meet global standards, it promises precise, tailored physiotherapy and neurological rehabilitation for conditions such as stroke, nerve injuries, frozen shoulder, chronic pain, and accident-related complications. The facility’s AI-driven robots can adapt treatments to individual patient needs, marking a significant advancement over traditional rehabilitation methods.

A pilot project will kick off on Thursday, initially focusing on patients injured during the July 2024 mass uprising, who will receive free treatment. BMU authorities plan to expand services to the general public in phases, ensuring affordability to broaden access. The centre’s launch follows the training of 27 doctors and physiotherapists by a seven-member Chinese biomedical engineering team, with full operations expected once staff gain further expertise.

“This is a milestone for Bangladesh’s medical sector,” said Dr Syed Mozaffar Ahmed, a BMU neurosurgery professor, at a press briefing.

“The robotic centre not only elevates our healthcare capabilities but also offers a lifeline to those battling long-term disabilities.”

The facility is poised to transform lives, particularly for the estimated 1.2 million Bangladeshis living with paralysis or neurological impairments, according to health ministry data.

The project reflects deepening Bangladesh-China healthcare collaboration, aligning with Dhaka’s broader push to modernise its medical infrastructure under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Posts on X have hailed the centre as a “game-changer,” though some express concerns about maintenance costs and accessibility for rural patients. The initiative also underscores Bangladesh’s ambition to compete regionally, with the centre rivalling facilities in Singapore and India.

As the pilot begins, the BMU robotic rehabilitation centre stands as a beacon of technological progress and compassion, offering not just advanced treatment but renewed hope for thousands.