Aster Al Raffah opens advanced robotic rehab in Oman

OMAN —Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics, a leading healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare in the GCC, has launched the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre in Al Ghubra, Muscat.

This pioneering facility is the first private robotic rehabilitation centre in Oman and represents a major advancement in neuro-rehabilitation for the region, including the GCC and Africa.

The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation at Oman’s Ministry of Health, alongside senior Aster executives and specialists from Walk Again India.

Spanning three floors, the centre offers specialized rehabilitation for a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases. It serves both children and adults, including international patients.

Aster Al Raffah Walk Again employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in neurology, spine, and sports medicine with cutting-edge robotic technologies.

 One of the centre’s standout features is the Cyberdyne HAL robotic exoskeleton, which helps patients with mobility impairments walk and move limbs by interpreting bioelectric signals from muscles.

Other advanced devices include the Recoverix Pro system, which uses brain-computer interface technology for stroke and multiple sclerosis rehabilitation, Vibramoov for gait therapy, Luna EMG for neurorehabilitation, and Meissa OT for upper limb robotic therapy.

Additionally, the centre provides neuromodulation treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation for movement disorders and Vagus Nerve Stimulation for epilepsy, alongside Functional Electrical Stimulation to improve muscle strength and coordination.

The clinical team is led by Dr. Ali Al Balushi, a consultant vascular neurologist and neurointerventionalist, supported by nationally and internationally recognized specialists.

The centre focuses on neuroplasticity-the brain’s ability to reorganize after injury-using US FDA-approved technologies to promote recovery tailored to each patient’s needs.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari highlighted the centre’s role in bringing advanced rehabilitation care closer to Oman’s population and positioning the country as a hub for innovative healthcare.

He emphasized ongoing collaboration between Oman’s government and private health sector to introduce the best medical technologies for the benefit of the people, noting that the facility will attract patients from across Oman and beyond.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, described the centre as a monumental step in providing accessible, world-class rehabilitation care locally, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad.

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, called the launch a defining moment in delivering patient-centric, technology-driven care in the region.

Dr. Sachin Kandhari, CEO of Walk Again India, praised the partnership for bringing global expertise and robotics to Oman, setting new standards in neuro-rehabilitation.

Beyond clinical care, the centre is committed to advancing medical education and research, participating in national and international conferences.

It aims to establish Oman as a regional centre of excellence in robotic rehabilitation, attracting patients from the GCC and African countries.

 Ultimately, the facility empowers patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life through innovative therapies and technologies.

This initiative aligns with Aster’s “Treat in Oman” vision, which seeks to provide advanced medical care locally, making Oman a global leader in healthcare excellence.

The centre’s launch marks a transformative moment in the Sultanate’s healthcare landscape, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients with complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

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