Aster DM Healthcare expands robotic rehabilitation network with new Sohar facility

OMAN—Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics, part of Aster DM Healthcare, has expanded access to advanced rehabilitation services in Oman with the opening of its second Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre in Sohar.

The new facility builds on the success of the flagship centre in Muscat and brings specialised robotic rehabilitation closer to patients in northern Oman, where demand for neurological and musculoskeletal care continues to grow.

Advanced rehabilitation reaches northern Oman

The Sohar centre was inaugurated under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation at the Ministry of Health, alongside His Excellency Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of Al Batinah North.

Designed as one of the region’s most advanced rehabilitation facilities, the centre combines artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic systems with evidence-based rehabilitation programmes to help patients recover mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Its technology portfolio includes Cyberdyne HAL, Recoverix Pro, Hand of Hope, Syrebo, Luna EMG, Vibramoov, Tymo, Pablo, VitalStim, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and other advanced rehabilitation platforms that deliver personalised therapy while tracking patient progress in real time.

These systems support repetitive, precision-guided therapy that promotes neuroplasticity and helps patients regain movement after neurological injuries or disease.

Comprehensive care for neurological conditions

The centre will treat patients with a broad range of conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, muscular dystrophy, motor neuron disease, movement disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ataxia, and dystonia.

In addition, multidisciplinary teams will provide integrated care across neurology, spine, sports medicine, and mental wellbeing.

Clinical operations will be led by Dr. Vivek Joseph, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon and Medical Director, together with Dr. Jaikishen Agiwal, Chief Operating Officer.

Speaking during the inauguration, Dr. Al-Mandhari said the expansion reflects Oman’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility by bringing advanced rehabilitation technologies beyond Muscat.

Governor Al Kindi added that the new centre strengthens access to specialised healthcare in Al Batinah North while supporting better patient outcomes through innovation.

Supporting Oman’s healthcare ambitions

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said the Sohar expansion reinforces the group’s commitment to making world-class rehabilitation available throughout Oman.

He noted that the facility also supports the “Treat in Oman” initiative by reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for advanced treatment.

Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, said the new centre combines compassionate care with advanced technology to deliver cutting-edge neuro-rehabilitation closer to patients’ homes.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sachin Kandhari, CEO of Walk Again India, said the collaboration brings globally recognised robotic rehabilitation systems and evidence-based clinical protocols to Oman.

Sohar was selected because it accounts for nearly 30% of patient referrals from northern Oman.

Its existing Aster Al Raffah Hospital also enables seamless coordination between acute hospital care and long-term rehabilitation.

The expansion comes as Aster DM Healthcare continues to invest in advanced medical technologies across the Gulf.

Earlier this year, the company announced plans to establish a similar robotic rehabilitation centre in Dubai, modelled on the success of its facilities in Oman, and to expand its investments in specialised healthcare services across the region.