China to build 3 hospitals in Bangladesh, including 1,000-bed facility as gift

Highlights:

• 1,000-bed specialised hospital in Nilphamari to be gift from China
• Feasibility study underway for 500–700-bed hospital in South Karnaphuli, Ctg
• 100-bed rehab centre planned in Dhamrai, Dhaka for patients with disabilities
• Talks still at early stage; investment criteria yet to be finalised
• Govt to send 60 more July uprising injured abroad for treatment
• They will be sent to Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Pakistan

China will invest in the construction of three new hospitals in Bangladesh – a specialised hospital in Nilphamari, a general hospital in Chattogram, and a rehabilitation facility in Dhaka.

A 1,000-bed specialised hospital will be built near the Teesta Project in Nilphamari, Dr Md Abu Jafor, director general at Directorate General of Health Services, announced at a press briefing today (13 April).

"An initial site of 16 acres has been selected close to Nilphamari Medical College," he said.

In South Karnaphuli, Chattogram, feasibility studies will be conducted for a 500 to 700-bed general hospital. 

Besides, in Dhamrai on the outskirts of Dhaka, China plans to construct a 100-bed rehabilitation centre for patients with various disabilities.

"China has shown strong interest in investing in our health sector. However, discussions are still at the preliminary stage. They will determine their investment criteria. Talks on technical training or manpower have not yet begun," Dr Jafor added.

Speaking at the same press event held at the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Health Adviser Noorjahan Begum added the 1,000-bed specialised hospital in Nilphamari would be a gift from the Chinese government to commemorate five decades of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh.

She also announced that a robotic physiotherapy centre would be established at Bangladesh Medical University (formerly BSMMU) with Chinese assistance.

Treatment abroad for July uprising injured

The government is preparing to send another 60 wounded individuals from the July uprising abroad for advanced medical treatment. 

So far, 50 people have been treated in countries including Singapore, Bangkok, and Russia, of whom 26 have returned home.

Among the new group, eight will be sent to Singapore and Bangkok, 21 to Turkey, and 31 to Pakistan.

When asked why some patients are being sent to Pakistan, the health adviser said, "UK medical experts informed us that Pakistan has hospitals specialised in treating landmine injuries, which is why we are referring patients there."

She added that 26 foreign doctors from China, the UK, the US, and France have so far come to Bangladesh to assist in treating the injured.

The government has verified data confirming over 864 deaths and more than 14,000 injuries related to the July events. "Of the injured, 70% are workers or civilians, and 25% are students."

The toll has been staggering: 21 people have been rendered completely blind, while around 450 have lost one eye.

Highlighting the urgency of critical cases, she said four patients with brain and spinal cord injuries were airlifted abroad via air ambulances, which had to be brought in from Singapore and Bangkok.

The treatment of one such patient, Baset Khan Musa, reportedly cost over Tk6.5 crore.

To support the victims, the government has announced that all "July fighters" will receive lifelong free healthcare at any hospital in the country through a health card system. 

Families of those martyred will receive Tk30 lakh each from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, while additional assistance will be provided through the July Foundation.