- The new department brings a comprehensive range of motor, cognitive and task-based rehabilitation services to the UAE
- Represents an important addition to Burjeel Medical City’s extensive portfolio of technology-backed medical services
- Features advanced robotics in addition to the some of the world’s latest rehabilitation, physical therapy and sports medicine gear
- Led by rehabilitation consultant Dr. Mahesh Cirasanambati and a team of international experts
Abu Dhabi, UAE: On Wednesday the Abu Dhabi-based multi-specialty hospital Burjeel Medical City launched its new, state-of-the-art Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy at its main campus in Mohamed bin Zayed city. The department was opened with an official ceremony attended by the senior medical and administrative executives of VPS Healthcare, Burjeel Group, Burjeel Medical City, with high-level community representation by Al Ain FC and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination.
Dr. Mahesh Cirasanambati, Chief and Consultant Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at VPS Healthcare, has been selected to head the new department, leading a multi-national team of experts who will extend a rich portfolio of services to communities across Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the region.
The new department is one of the largest of its kind in the country and features an impressive range of medical technologies that include robotics, artificial intelligence, and the latest applications of computer-assisted rehabilitation. The treatments offered there focus on restoring function and enhancing patients’ quality of life, catering to paediatric, adult and geriatric patients.
In the paediatrics category, the department treats conditions like developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autism and ADHD. For adults, services include post-surgical rehabilitation and the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, such as injuries of the knees, back, shoulders, neck, ankle and hip. Moreover, patients with post-Covid complications will receive dedicated care at the department to recover pulmonary and physical functions impacted by the virus. In neurological cases, the department attends to patients who have suffered strokes, spinal cord injuries, parkinsonism, peripheral neuropathy, and balance disorders.
Women’s health is also a key area of focus at the department, which provides ante- and post-natal exercises as well as treatments for conditions such as stress urinary incontinence. Besides physiotherapy, the department offers other types of rehabilitation services, like speech and swallowing training by speech-language pathologists. The department will also be good news for patients at Burjeel Darak, the hospital’s long-term patient care section.
Dr. Mahesh Cirasanambati, Chief and Consultant Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VPS Healthcare said: “The department has been set up to provide high-quality care to patients and help them rebuild their lives. Toward this goal, we assembled a core team of world-class physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists who follow the highest standards and treatment protocols. We also offer rare and specialised services, including hydrotherapy, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and hyperbaric oxygen treatment under one roof to help patients achieve maximum functional potential.”
The new rehabilitation centre at BMC uses a variety of cutting-edge equipment for motor skills, cognition and task-specific training. The Gloreha Sinfonia robotic glove for hand rehabilitation, for example, aids in functional recovery, while the Walkbot is a robot-assisted gait-training system for adults and children with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments. Furthermore, the department has a Gait Analysis Lab to analyse walking patterns and its BTE PrimusRs aids in physical and occupational therapy. The department also provides neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and pain-relieving interventions for home-bound patients.
John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Group, said: “The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has been established with a vision to support healthcare advancement in the UAE. Previously, a patient would have had to travel halfway around the earth to get treatment at this level. Now, we have effectively positioned the UAE as a destination where advanced healthcare can be sought, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this sector. We aim to serve local communities as well as the increasing number of medical tourists visiting the country.”
Notably, the opening ceremony was attended by the football team, administrative and medical staff at Al Ain Football Club; one of the leading contenders for the UAE Pro League trophy. During the ceremony, Al Ain Club players and medical staff endorsed the strong sports medicine section of the department, which offers advanced rehabilitation services to athletes. This includes anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, ankle rehabilitation, muscle strain, sprains, as well as technology-assisted training on balance, mobility and muscular strength.
The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) was also in presence. With long-term cooperation with the healthcare sector in the UAE, ZHO stands to reap the rewards of the new department through treatment and research support.
About Burjeel Medical City:
Burjeel Medical City (BMC) is a 400-bed multi-specialty hospital and quaternary care centre located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. BMC offers high-quality specialised treatment and emergency care in over 39 adult and paediatric specialties, aided by state-of-the-art medical technology and an international team of experts certified by top global medical boards. With a total area of 1.2 million sq. f, BMC is home to modern medical and administrative facilities, including the UAE’s largest rehabilitation and long-term care centre Burjeel Darak, and the highly automated next-generation lab BMC Central Laboratory.
