China to set up robotic physiotherapy centre in Bangladesh for July uprising injured
China plans to set up a rehabilitation centre with robotic physiotherapy support facilities in Bangladesh for those injured during the July uprising.
The centre is likely to be set up at Bangladesh Medical University, formerly Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Within the next three months, those involved in the July movement will be able to receive services at this facility.
Prof Dr Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, told The Business Standard, "China has offered to provide robotic physiotherapy support for the treatment of those injured during the July movement. We have asked BSMMU to allocate space for setting it up, and they have agreed. This is part of the Chinese government's assistance for the rehabilitation of the injured.
"Initially, the centre will serve the injured, but later it will be available for anyone in need. This initiative will introduce advanced physiotherapy technology in Bangladesh," Sayedur Rahman added.
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To operate the centre, a team of Chinese experts will train Bangladeshi physiotherapists.
According to Dr Sayedur Rahman, it will take approximately two and a half to three months for the robotic physiotherapy support centre to become operational.
"The process of importing equipment has already started, while a team of Chinese specialists will conduct a 10-day training session for local staff."
Dr Md Shahidul Hasan, additional director of the BSMMU Super Specialized Hospital, told TBS that a Chinese expert team visited the hospital's basement, the fourth floor of Block A, and the Betar Bhaban building two weeks ago to inspect potential locations for the centre. Once a site is finalised, the necessary equipment will be installed.
Health ministry sources say the centre will be located within BSMMU, with the university selecting the site and informing the health ministry.
State of the July injured
According to data from the special cell on the July uprising, 11,306 people were injured during the student-public movement in July-August.
Among them, 80% suffered severe injuries due to gunshots. Thirty-eight people have been sent abroad for advanced treatment, including 12 who are receiving treatment using robotic physiotherapy devices, which is highly expensive. Additional costs include accommodation, food, internal transportation and medical expenses for accompanying attendants.
To reduce treatment costs and save time, the government has taken the initiative to establish a robotic physiotherapy centre in collaboration with China to provide advanced treatment for paralysed July injured.
Currently, around 300 persons injured in the July uprising are receiving treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor), the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital and Bangladesh Medical University.
