Tomorrow marks the commencement of a pilot initiative at Bangladesh's pioneering robotic rehab center, sanctioned by the government.
Bangladesh has taken a significant stride in healthcare technology with the launch of its first robotic rehabilitation centre (RRC) for patients with paralysis and long-term neurological conditions. The state-of-the-art facility, located at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in Shahbagh, commenced a limited pilot project on July 10, 2025.
Equipped with 62 robotic units, including 22 AI-powered robots, the centre is one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in South Asia. These advanced robots deliver precise physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, and long-term medical care, tailored to each patient's specific condition. The equipment, donated by the Chinese government, is valued at approximately Taka 20 crore (around $20 million).
The robotic technology enables targeted treatment for complex cases such as stroke recovery, paralysis, nerve injuries, chronic pain, and frozen shoulder. To operate the centre, 27 doctors and physiotherapists have undergone specialized training under the guidance of a seven-member Chinese biomedical engineering expert team. The pilot phase will initially operate on a limited scale to allow the trained staff to gain experience and further develop expertise.
Besides serving general patients with neurological conditions, the centre will provide free services to victims of the student-led July uprising who suffer chronic health issues. Eventually, services will be expanded to the public in phases, with an emphasis on affordable treatment costs. The project represents a major milestone in Bangladesh’s medical sector by introducing advanced, technology-driven rehabilitation aimed at improving recovery outcomes for patients with paralysis and long-term neurological impairments.
Once the personnel gain sufficient expertise and the pilot phase proves to be successful, the centre will become fully operational. The centre, once fully operational, 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. It is also anticipated to become one of South Asia's most advanced robotic rehabilitation units.
The centre's services will eventually be made available to general patients, not just specialized cases. Once fully operational, the centre will usher Bangladesh into a new era of high-tech rehabilitation medicine and is expected to become a beacon of hope for people living with paralysis and long-term illnesses.
The robotic rehabilitation centre at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University, equipped with advanced AI-powered robots, is set to offer tailored health-and-wellness therapies and treatments to patients with a range of conditions, including stroke recovery, paralysis, nerve injuries, and chronic pain. As the centre expands its services to the public, it will leverage science and technology to provide affordable care, potentially making Bangladesh a leader in artificial-intelligence-driven health solutions.
