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Muscat Daily
13-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Aster Al Raffah Walk Again launch advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre
A state-of-the-art facility launched by Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics, set to revolutionize advanced neuro-rehabilitation in Oman, GCC & the African countries. Muscat – Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics, a leading integrated healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare in the GCC, has officially launched the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre. Located in Ghubra, Muscat, this first-of-its-kind facility in the Sultanate marks a significant milestone in healthcare innovation, poised to transform neuro-rehabilitation across the region. The facility was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation, Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman, alongside, Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics – UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Shailesh Guntu, Deputy CEO of Aster Hospitals, UAE & Oman, Rahul Kadavakolu, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Aster DM Healthcare, Dr. Sachin Kandhari, CEO of Walk Again India, and other distinguished guests. Aster Al Raffah Walk Again is Oman's one of the first private hospital to introduce a specialised robotic rehabilitation facility. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to recovery, utilising advanced robotic technologies to support patients with neurological, spinal, stroke-related, and sports injuries. Spanning three floors, the centre provides specialized rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases, among others. The facility serves both pediatric and adult patients, with provisions for international care. The centre is designed as a multidisciplinary facility of excellence, specializing in Neurology, Spine, and Sports Medicine, ensuring holistic care for patients recovering from complex injuries and neurological disorders. A key highlight of the centre is the Cyberdyne HAL, a robotic exoskeleton that assists patients with mobility impairments, enabling walking and limb movement by interpreting bioelectric signals from muscles. Other cutting-edge technologies include the Recoverix Pro system, which uses Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) for stroke and multiple sclerosis rehabilitation, and Vibramoov, a vibration therapy system that enhances gait and mobility. Additional innovations such as Luna EMG, a neurorehabilitation system, and Meissa OT, a robotic upper limb rehabilitation device, ensure comprehensive recovery for patients with varied needs. The centre also offers advanced neuromodulation treatments, including Deep Brain Stimulation for movement disorders and Vagus Nerve Stimulation for treatment-resistant epilepsy. These technologies, along with Functional Electrical Stimulation, enhance muscle strength and coordination, supporting patients in regaining independence. The Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre is supported by a team of nationally and internationally recognized specialists in Neurosciences, Orthopedics, Spine, and Rheumatology. Leading the clinical team is Dr. Ali Al Balushi, Consultant – Vascular Neurologist & Neurointerventionalist at Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics, along with other esteemed doctors who bring extensive expertise in managing complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. By focusing on neuroplasticity, the process through which the brain reorganizes itself after injury, the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Hospital facilitates recovery through a range of therapies tailored to individual needs. Utilizing US FDA-approved technologies, the centre aims to harness the brain's ability to form new neural connections, a critical element of rehabilitation following neurological conditions. His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Bin Salim Al Mandhari – Undersecretary for Planning & Health Regulation, Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman, speaking about the launch, remarked, 'We are proud to inaugurate this world-class facility in Oman, which will help bring advanced rehabilitation care closer to home for our people. The launch of the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation hospital reflects our vision of building Oman as a leading hub for innovative healthcare. The Government of Oman and the Ministry of Health will continue to partner closely with the private health sector to ensure their success and to bring the best medical technologies to our country for the welfare of our people. This state-of-the-art rehabilitation solution will not only benefit citizens across Oman but will also attract patients from outside Oman, strengthening Oman's position as a destination for world-class treatment.' Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, commenting on the significance of the initiative, added, 'The Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Hospital is a monumental step forward in providing accessible, world-class rehabilitation care to patients in Oman and the region. This facility is part of Aster's commitment to offering innovative healthcare solutions, and it will undoubtedly transform the lives of patients by offering hope and enabling recovery that was once thought impossible. Through our 'Treat in Oman' initiative, we aim to eliminate the need for residents to travel abroad for advanced care, making Oman a global leader in healthcare excellence.' Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, commented, 'The launch of the Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Hospital in Oman marks a defining moment in our mission to make cutting-edge, patient-centric care accessible to all. At Aster, we believe in transforming lives through innovation and compassion. This facility embodies that vision, providing hope and advanced recovery solutions to patients with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. As we expand our footprint in Oman, we remain committed to raising the bar for specialized care and making the country a leading destination for healthcare excellence in the region.' Dr. Sachin Kandhari, CEO of Walk Again India, reflecting on the collaboration, said, 'As a leading provider of neuro-rehabilitation, Walk Again is excited to partner with Aster in bringing advanced robotic rehabilitation to Oman. Our mission is to help patients recover from spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other neurological disorders. Through this Hospital, we are committed to leveraging state-of-the-art technology and global expertise to provide the highest standards of care.' Walk Again brings a legacy of clinical excellence in neuro-rehabilitation, with a strong track record of integrating robotics with personalized treatment protocols. Through the technologies and expertise introduced at the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Hospital, patients in Oman now have access to globally benchmarked rehabilitation solutions without the need to travel abroad. In addition to clinical services, the centre is committed to advancing medical education and clinical research. It will actively engage in national and international conferences, further establishing its role as a leader in neuro-rehabilitation and innovation. This initiative significantly enhances Oman's healthcare sector and contributes to the Sultanate's broader vision of providing high-quality medical technologies and specialized services closer to home. As a regional centre of excellence, the facility is also expected to attract patients from across the GCC and African nations seeking advanced robotic rehabilitation. Through robotic rehabilitation, the centre aims to empower patients, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Millions of children to suffer from Trump aid cuts; many affected are also Rohingya children
AMMAN (AFP): When he grows up, five-year-old Ahmad wants to be "stronger than Spider-Man". But his dream clashes with a harsh reality -- the Jordanian boy has a serious disability, and major US aid cuts mean he will likely miss out on vital care. Like him, millions of children around the world are suffering from the sweeping cuts ordered by US President Donald Trump. All are grappling with hardship in one form or other: war, crime, global warming, poverty, disease and more. Ahmad, who has a spinal malformation, cannot hold his torso upright and is paralysed from the waist down. The boy was receiving physiotherapy sessions from Handicap International "to strengthen his upper limbs and enable him, later on, to walk with crutches," said his father, Mahmud Abdulrahman, a 30-year-old day labourer. Abdulrahman said the non-governmental organisation was also due to provide orthotics and prosthetics to straighten Ahmad's lower limbs -- none of which he could afford on his meagre salary. Now, none of that will happen. The Wehdat Rehabilitation Centre they attended in Jordan's capital Amman was one of the first victims of Trump's aid cuts. More than 600 patients found themselves deprived of care overnight. Prosthetics already specially designed for around 30 children, as well as wheelchairs, could not be delivered to them, on Washington's orders. "The movement that was taught will be forgotten," said Dr Abdullah Hmoud, a physiotherapist who worked at the centre, describing the potential losses as "catastrophic". There is also emotional suffering. When he realised he would no longer see his physiotherapist, "Ahmad stopped eating for three days. He didn't want to get up," said his father. With the closure of his rehabilitation centre, "I feel like they want to kill me," the boy said in a hushed voice. - Global fallout - Ahmad's story is one among many in a wave of horror accounts surfacing from the humanitarian sector since the United States said it was cutting 83 percent of its aid. USAID -- which the Trump administration has dismantled -- had supported 42 percent of all aid distributed globally, with a $42.8 billion budget. At a refugee camp in Bangladesh, home to a million Rohingya Muslims who fled persecution in Myanmar, half of them children, Save the Children has been forced to ration food. The NGO fears desperate families could be pushed to hand over daughters to traffickers or send sons on dangerous sea crossings to Malaysia for work. In Mozambique, Solidarites International had to shut down a programme providing food and water to internally displaced people, including tens of thousands of children. In Malawi, similar numbers will no longer receive free school meals, according to another NGO which requested anonymity for fear of US reprisals. Without food, many children will drop out of school -- all the more galling, the NGO said, as millions of meals are reportedly left to rot in warehouses due to the US decision. "It's like the rug is being pulled out from under their feet," said one staff member. - 'Last lifelines' - Women and girls are often the first to lose out, with their education traditionally sacrificed first. The Norwegian Refugee Council said it will have to "significantly reduce" aid to women and girls in Afghanistan because the US funds paid for many of the female staff who worked with them. "The very last lifelines for many women and girls will be taken away," said Camilla Waszink, a director at the organisation. Malnutrition already affects 150 million children under five, and the numbers could surge. "Millions of additional children will suffer stunted growth" and impaired brain capacity, said Kevin Goldberg, director of Solidarites International. In another blow to children, Washington is expected to drastically reduce funding for vaccination programmes in poor countries. Sania Nishtar, CEO of the Vaccine Alliance, warned the cuts -- if confirmed -- could result in "an estimated 1.3 million children dying from vaccine-preventable diseases". - AFP
Economic Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Millions of children to suffer from Trump aid cuts
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads When he grows up, five-year-old Ahmad wants to be "stronger than Spider-Man".But his dream clashes with a harsh reality -- the Jordanian boy has a serious disability, and major US aid cuts mean he will likely miss out on vital him, millions of children around the world are suffering from the sweeping cuts ordered by US President Donald are grappling with hardship in one form or other: war, crime, global warming, poverty, disease and who has a spinal malformation, cannot hold his torso upright and is paralysed from the waist boy was receiving physiotherapy sessions from Handicap International "to strengthen his upper limbs and enable him, later on, to walk with crutches," said his father, Mahmud Abdulrahman, a 30-year-old day said the non-governmental organisation was also due to provide orthotics and prosthetics to straighten Ahmad's lower limbs -- none of which he could afford on his meagre none of that will Wehdat Rehabilitation Centre they attended in Jordan's capital Amman was one of the first victims of Trump's aid than 600 patients found themselves deprived of care already specially designed for around 30 children, as well as wheelchairs, could not be delivered to them, on Washington's orders."The movement that was taught will be forgotten," said Dr Abdullah Hmoud, a physiotherapist who worked at the centre, describing the potential losses as "catastrophic".There is also emotional he realised he would no longer see his physiotherapist, "Ahmad stopped eating for three days. He didn't want to get up," said his the closure of his rehabilitation centre, "I feel like they want to kill me," the boy said in a hushed voice.- Global fallout -Ahmad's story is one among many in a wave of horror accounts surfacing from the humanitarian sector since the United States said it was cutting 83 percent of its -- which the Trump administration has dismantled -- had supported 42 percent of all aid distributed globally, with a $42.8 billion a refugee camp in Bangladesh, home to a million Rohingya Muslims who fled persecution in Myanmar, half of them children, Save the Children has been forced to ration NGO fears desperate families could be pushed to hand over daughters to traffickers or send sons on dangerous sea crossings to Malaysia for Mozambique, Solidarites International had to shut down a programme providing food and water to internally displaced people, including tens of thousands of Malawi, similar numbers will no longer receive free school meals, according to another NGO which requested anonymity for fear of US food, many children will drop out of school -- all the more galling, the NGO said, as millions of meals are reportedly left to rot in warehouses due to the US decision."It's like the rug is being pulled out from under their feet," said one staff member.- 'Last lifelines' -Women and girls are often the first to lose out, with their education traditionally sacrificed Norwegian Refugee Council said it will have to "significantly reduce" aid to women and girls in Afghanistan because the US funds paid for many of the female staff who worked with them."The very last lifelines for many women and girls will be taken away," said Camilla Waszink, a director at the already affects 150 million children under five, and the numbers could surge."Millions of additional children will suffer stunted growth" and impaired brain capacity, said Kevin Goldberg, director of Solidarites another blow to children, Washington is expected to drastically reduce funding for vaccination programmes in poor Nishtar, CEO of the Vaccine Alliance, warned the cuts -- if confirmed -- could result in "an estimated 1.3 million children dying from vaccine-preventable diseases".
Times of Oman
19-03-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Agreement signed to establish National Rehabilitation Centre in South Al Batinah
Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday signed an agreement to establish a National Rehabilitation Centre, generously funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Bahwan. The agreement aims to finance the establishment of a rehabilitation and healthcare center for adults and children in the South Al Batinah Governorate. Dr. Abdullah bin Hamoud Al-Harthy, International Relations Advisor at the Minister's Office, said that this National Rehabilitation Centre is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman, linking healthcare and community institutions to rehabilitate individuals injured in accidents, sports injuries, and other cases, for both adults and children. He added that the Centre also connects healthcare institutions across Oman, including the Medical City for Military and Security Services and the University Medical City. This project is expected to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services at a high level, utilising the latest technologies and practices, contributing to enhancing quality of life, reintegrating individuals, and fostering their interaction with society. Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthy indicated that the centre will provide specialised rehabilitation services, including neurological rehabilitation, burn and muscle rehabilitation, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, along with other comprehensive rehabilitation services. Dr. Ali bin Abdulhussain Al-Lawati, Advisor for Engineering Affairs at the Minister's Office, said that this project is part of a larger initiative in the South Al Batinah Governorate, where health projects occupy an area of 700,000 square metres on the same land where the rehabilitation centre will be established. He added that the National Rehabilitation Centre will feature several specialised departments for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, prosthetics, as well as administrative divisions, a training and research center, workshops, and storage facilities. Officer Ahmed bin Muslim Al-Rowas, Assistant Chairman for Administrative Affairs and Human Resources at the Medical City for Military and Security Services, emphasised that the Centre reflects the partnership and integration between all healthcare institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. This centre, he added, will enhance the quality of healthcare services provided in this sector, improving their effectiveness and ensuring comprehensive and efficient services for patients in these institutions. This contributes to achieving a unified vision aimed at enhancing the health of individuals and the community. Al-Rowas also pointed out that this connection and integration help minimize service gaps, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate rehabilitation treatment. Thakiya Said Al-Noobi, Senior Specialist in Prosthetics and Orthopedics at the Directorate General of Al-Khoula Hospital, explained that the National Rehabilitation Centre will operate according to unified frameworks, policies, and protocols based on evidence for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to ensure effective care. It will also serve as a research and academic centre specialising in enhancing and developing the efficiency of human resources in this field, ensuring continuous professional development. Al-Noobi added that the Centre will include specialized teams to help patients reintegrate into society. It will also bring together a distinguished group of specialists, including rehabilitation practitioners, neurologists, neurosurgeons, general practitioners, rehabilitation therapists, nursing care professionals, as well as prosthetics and orthotics experts. The agreement seeks sustainability in financing healthcare services by finding alternatives to ensure their continuous improvement. It also aims to expedite procedures, strengthen partnerships, and encourage contribution and collaboration among community members. This initiative also seeks to enhance the quality of healthcare services, contributing to the integration of the public and private sectors, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and achieving its goals.
