China Champions Care: Robotic Rehab Rolls Out in Dhaka
China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, has expressed Beijing’s interest in deepening cooperation with Dhaka in the healthcare sector, calling it “a new discussion point in the integrated strategic partnership between the two countries, bringing greater benefits for our peoples.”
He made the remarks on Sunday, August 31, while speaking as a special guest at the official inauguration of the Robotic Rehabilitation Center at Bangladesh Medical University, established with Chinese assistance. The event was attended by Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nurjahan Begum, and Special Assistant Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman from the Ministry.
Ambassador Yao stated, “Healthcare is essential for national development and public welfare. Launching this Robotic Rehabilitation Center is a strong step in implementing the critical agreements achieved between our leaders, and it will serve as a milestone in China-Bangladesh medical collaboration.”
The newly built center, reportedly South Asia’s third-largest, is expected to open new horizons in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector, particularly benefiting patients suffering from neurological complexities.
Presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of the university, the inauguration featured Nurjahan Begum as the chief guest. She lauded the center’s crucial role in patient rehabilitation and elevating medical standards in Bangladesh, expressing gratitude to China for its assistance during Bangladesh’s critical periods.
“During our chief advisor’s visit to China, discussions included constructing a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur. Initially, only 10–12 robots were requested to treat victims of the July uprising, but China generously provided 57 robots and specialized training for 29 medical personnel, demonstrating the depth and cooperation of Bangladesh-China relations,” Nurjahan Begum said. She also emphasized that the center’s services should ideally expand beyond Dhaka to benefit patients nationwide.
Professor Dr. M. A. Shakur, Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, added, “This center has already played a vital role in treating those injured during the July uprising. It will serve as a blessing for patients recovering from strokes, accidents, and those needing long-term therapy. AI-driven robotics can help restore fine motor skills for patients who have lost hand or leg functions.”
The inauguration concluded with certificates being awarded to trained healthcare professionals managing the center. Earlier, the ceremony was broadcast live via projector in the university’s lecture gallery.
