DHAKA, July 11 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-built robotic rehabilitation center, the first in Bangladesh, started functioning here on Thursday.
Abul Kalam Azad, pro-vice chancellor (administration) of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), told Xinhua on Thursday that "We've started a limited pilot operation of the robotic rehabilitation center today."
On behalf of the BMU, Kalam expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its support in establishing the center. He also called for BMU's increased academic engagement with Chinese institutions.
A team of eight biomedical engineers from China has already trained 27 doctors and physiotherapists of the Super Specialized Hospital of BMU, where the center has been established with Chinese assistance and equipment.
The Chinese government has donated more than 80 advanced equipment, and some are powered by artificial intelligence.
According to a media statement issued by the Bangladeshi Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Wednesday, the pilot program will begin on a limited scale at the center which has been built to match international standards and will offer precise, technology-driven rehabilitation services.
These advanced robots will be able to deliver highly precise physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, and long-term therapeutic care tailored to each patient's specific condition, according to the statement, it said.
The robotic center is expected to benefit patients recovering from stroke, paralysis, neurological disorders, chronic pain, nerve injuries, frozen shoulder, trauma-related complications, and other physical impairments requiring intensive rehabilitation, according to the statement.
It said that once the trained personnel gain sufficient expertise and the pilot phase proves to be successful, the center will become fully operational. While the initial focus is on specialized cases, the BMU plans to gradually open the services to general patients under a structured policy framework.
From a technological standpoint, the chief adviser's office said the center will be the South Asian country's most advanced robotic rehabilitation units, marking a ground-breaking milestone in the country's healthcare sector.
Yao Wen, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, told Xinhua that China and Bangladesh are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners that support, understand, and trust each other. This donation marks a significant advancement in bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector and truly reflects the people-centered nature of the relations.
China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to further deepen collaboration in healthcare, making it a new highlight in bilateral relations and bringing more benefits to the people of both countries, Yao added. ■