Bangladeshis are increasingly seeking medical treatment in China, a shift prompted by tightened Indian visa restrictions and rising treatment costs.
Responding to a request from the Bangladesh government, China has now opened its doors for Bangladeshi patients to receive advanced medical care at a lower cost in Kunming.
On Monday (10 March), the first group of Bangladeshi patients arrived in Kunming under this new initiative.
For years, India has been the primary destination for Bangladeshis seeking medical care, with an estimated Tk6,000 crore spent annually.
However, China is now positioning itself as a viable alternative.
To mark the occasion, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka held a press conference at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed satisfaction over facilitating the medical transfer.
“We understand the challenges Bangladeshi patients face in accessing treatment. In response to the interim government’s request, we have taken this initiative to ensure they receive quality healthcare in China with ease,” he stated.
Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin was also present at the event.
Jasim Uddin welcomed the development, remarking that sending Bangladeshi patients to China was a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. We are eager to deepen cooperation between our peoples, and this medical initiative will further enhance our ties,” he said.
He further elaborated that during Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain’s visit to China in February, a proposal was made to facilitate treatment for Bangladeshis in Kunming’s specialised hospitals.
Following China’s approval, three top-tier hospitals in Kunming were designated for Bangladeshi patients.
The Chinese government has also streamlined visa procedures to ensure a hassle-free process for medical travellers.
A 31-member delegation, comprising 14 patients, six accompanying family members, five doctors, five travel agency representatives, and a journalist, departed for Kunming on a China Eastern Airlines flight on Monday afternoon.
They will receive treatment at the three designated hospitals.
Masumuzzaman, proprietor of Siyok Healthcare and a member of the delegation, informed the press that this is a pilot initiative.
“The experience of this group will determine future arrangements. If successful, more Bangladeshi patients will be sent to China for treatment. Given China’s lower diagnostic and pharmaceutical costs, treatment expenses may be more affordable compared to India, Singapore, or Thailand,” he explained.
According to Foreign Ministry sources, tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated since the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August.
India has made visa acquisition increasingly complex, with only emergency medical visas being granted in limited cases.
Even patients with complete documentation face lengthy processing times, while reports suggest Indian hospitals have unofficially stopped admitting Bangladeshi patients.
Additionally, several hotels in India have refused to accommodate Bangladeshi nationals, exacerbating the crisis.
With Bangladeshis struggling to access Indian healthcare, the government sought alternatives, and China emerged as a promising solution.
Official figures indicate that annually, between 3 to 5 lakh Bangladeshis travel to India for medical treatment, spending around Tk6,000 crore.
Bangladeshis account for nearly 70% of all foreign patients in Indian hospitals, particularly in Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
India issued approximately 800,000 visas to Bangladeshis across 15 categories until August 2024, of which 200,000 were medical visas.
In 2023, a total of 635,000 foreign patients sought treatment in India, with Bangladeshis making up 449,570—about 70.8% of the total.
However, in 2022, while the number of foreign patients in India declined to 474,681, the number of Bangladeshi patients surged to 327,000.
Given these evolving circumstances, China’s entry into Bangladesh’s medical tourism landscape signals a major shift, potentially reshaping regional healthcare dynamics.
