More than 5,000 children receive rehabilitation services here every year. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians visited the National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation in Astana on October 12, 2026. According to the official statement from Akorda, the guests learned how Kazakhstan combines medical care, modern rehabilitation technologies and social support to help children with special needs, DKNews.kz reports.
How Kazakhstan helps children with special needs
The National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation provides comprehensive assistance to children with complex neurological, psychiatric and developmental conditions.
Its patients include children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, and speech, cognitive and behavioral impairments.
The Center brings together medical rehabilitation, psychological and educational support, and social adaptation. Its programs are designed to help children develop communication skills, improve cognitive abilities and become more independent in everyday life.
Robotic technologies support rehabilitation
During the visit, Tokayev and the Belgian royal couple were introduced to modern rehabilitation methods, including robotic technologies incorporated into individualized treatment programs.
These technologies form part of a broader approach that takes each child's condition and rehabilitation needs into account.
The Center's work focuses on several interconnected areas:
- Medical rehabilitation for children with neurological and physical conditions.
- Psychological and educational support to develop cognitive and communication skills.
- Robotic rehabilitation technologies integrated into personalized programs.
- Social adaptation to encourage independence and participation in everyday life.
Particular attention is given to helping children integrate into society and creating conditions that support their participation in education, communication and social activities.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde meet children and families
The visit also included direct conversations with children receiving rehabilitation, their parents and the Center's medical staff.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde took part in an interactive program, giving them an opportunity to see how rehabilitation activities are organized and how children engage with specialists.
At the end of the visit, the Belgian royal couple signed the Center's Guest Book.
More than 5,000 patients from across Kazakhstan
The National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation serves families from every region of Kazakhstan. Each year, more than 5,000 patients receive rehabilitation services at the facility.
Its nationwide reach makes the Center an important part of Kazakhstan's rehabilitation services for children with complex health and developmental needs.
Beyond medical treatment, its programs address practical challenges faced by children and families, including communication, mobility, learning and social participation.
Why the visit matters
The visit took place during the first state visit by Belgium's King and Queen to Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Alongside high-level political and economic discussions, the program provided an opportunity for the Belgian royal couple to learn about Kazakhstan's approach to supporting children with disabilities and developmental conditions.
The visit also brought attention to the role of rehabilitation services in helping children build independence and participate more fully in society.
We previously reported on Kazakhstan and Belgium's plans to strengthen cooperation in healthcare and education, outlined in a joint statement following talks between President Tokayev and King Philippe. The visit to the children's rehabilitation center adds a social dimension to the royal couple's official program.
