DHAKA, Bangladesh

A China-supported robotic rehabilitation center in Bangladesh has brought advanced treatment facilities to the doorstep of patients in urgent need of physical recovery.

Physicians at the robotic rehabilitation unit at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University called it a “breakthrough,” as it is the first of its kind in Bangladesh.

The medical unit initially began operations providing treatment to those who were injured in last year’s July uprising. About 1,400 people were killed and 22,000 people were injured in the uprising, with many of them having severe head, eye, leg and backbone bullet injuries, according to the UN and the government.

“It is a complete and well-equipped robotic rehabilitation center. It has 57 robots with many of them being artificial intelligence-controlled,” Dr. Nadim Kamal, an associate professor at the Bangladesh Medical University’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, told Anadolu.

The center can provide treatment for approximately 50–60 patients at the same time.

Healthcare in Bangladesh remains costly, with out-of-pocket expenditure accounting for around 70% amid poorly funded government facilities.

Officials say this government-run facility will be affordable and cost less than comparable facilities elsewhere in the world.

Since the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled India on Aug. 5, New Delhi has restricted visas, including medical visas, for Bangladeshis.

As a result, patients are increasingly turning to China, Türkiye, Thailand, and Pakistan for medical treatment, according to Dr. Kamal.

“It has opened a new era of the country’s healthcare,” Dr. Abdus Shakoor, chairman of the department, told Anadolu.

The government Directorate General of Drug Administration Director Dr. Akter Hossain, told Anadolu that all safety documents have been obtained and official approval for this “great” move will be provided by this month.