Aster Al Raffah Launches Oman’s First Robotic Rehabilitation Centre
In a transformative move for the region’s healthcare landscape, Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics has officially launched the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Advanced Robotic Rehabilitation Centre in Al Ghubra, Muscat. As the first of its kind in the Sultanate, this cutting-edge facility is set to revolutionize neuro-rehabilitation across Oman, the GCC, and Africa by offering world-class care powered by robotics and AI.
Robotic Innovation for Complex Neuro-Rehabilitation
Unveiled under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation at Oman’s Ministry of Health, the centre delivers a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. It caters to patients with neurological disorders, spinal injuries, stroke aftermath, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and sports-related conditions.
Spanning three floors, the facility introduces robotic-assisted therapies, marking a significant shift in how rehabilitation is approached in the private healthcare sector. Technologies include the Cyberdyne HAL exoskeleton, which detects bioelectric signals to help patients walk and move limbs, and Recoverix Pro, a Brain-Computer Interface system co-developed to support stroke and MS recovery. Other innovations like Vibramoov, Luna EMG, and Meissa OT offer advanced solutions for gait improvement and upper limb function.
The centre also pioneers neuromodulation treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation and Vagus Nerve Stimulation, critical for managing movement disorders and treatment-resistant epilepsy. Functional Electrical Stimulation is also integrated to aid muscle coordination and strength development.
A Vision for Accessible, World-Class Care
The facility is led by a team of national and international specialists in neurosciences, orthopedics, spine, and rheumatology, including Dr. Ali Al Balushi, Consultant Vascular Neurologist and Neurointerventionalist. The team is committed to personalized recovery strategies that harness neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself—supported by FDA-approved technologies tailored to each patient’s condition.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Bin Salim Al-Mandhari emphasized,
“This world-class facility will bring cutting-edge rehabilitation care closer to home and position Oman as a hub for healthcare innovation. We will continue to collaborate with private providers like Aster to deliver global medical technologies for the welfare of our people.”
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, commented,
“With the Aster Al Raffah Walk Again Hospital, we aim to eliminate the need for patients to travel abroad for advanced care. This is part of our larger ‘Treat in Oman’ initiative that seeks to make Oman a beacon of healthcare excellence.”
Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, added,
“This centre is a testament to our commitment to transforming lives through innovation and compassion. We aim to raise the bar for specialized, patient-centric care in Oman and the wider region.”
Walk Again Collaboration and Global Benchmarking
The facility is developed in partnership with Walk Again India, a pioneer in robotic neuro-rehabilitation. Dr. Sachin Kandhari, CEO of Walk Again, remarked,
“We are proud to bring our expertise to Oman. Our mission is to help patients recover from neurological disorders using state-of-the-art technology and personalized care protocols. This facility offers hope and healing to those who once saw limited prospects.”
In addition to clinical excellence, the centre is committed to research, education, and international collaboration, participating in global conferences and advancing knowledge in neuro-rehabilitation. The initiative also aligns with Oman’s broader healthcare vision of making premium care accessible locally while boosting medical tourism from across the GCC and Africa.
