China opens door for Bangladeshi patients amid Indian visa curbs
No visa restrictions for Bangladeshi people, said the Chinese envoy
The first batch of 14 Bangladeshi patients departed for China today as part of a bilateral initiative to enhance medical cooperation between the two countries.
This initial group includes 31 individuals, comprising patients, family members, doctors, tour operators, and journalists, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said during an event at Dhaka airport.
The occasion marked the beginning of a structured medical treatment arrangement in China.
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Speaking at the Commercially Important Person (CIP) outdoor pathway of the airport before departure, the envoy said, "Currently, Bangladeshi patients face difficulties in accessing medical treatment abroad. That's why the interim government sought help from China, and the Chinese government has responded positively."
When asked about travel expenses, he said efforts are underway to reduce airfare costs for Bangladeshi patients travelling to China.
Dr Rashedul Hasan, a member of the delegation, highlighted the availability of advanced treatments in China.
"China offers highly developed treatments for critical conditions such as transplants and cancer. However, many Bangladeshis are unaware of these options," he said.
"As doctors, we will have the opportunity to receive advanced training in China, which can be applied here in Bangladesh," he added.
A travel agent accompanying the delegation said medical costs in China are almost the same as in Chennai, Delhi, and Bangalore in India, or Thailand. In some cases, treatment in China is even more affordable.
Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin described this initiative as "a new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations."
Senior government officials, patient representatives, doctors, and travel agency officials were also present at the event.
On 18 February, Ambassador Yao announced that three top-tier hospitals in China's Yunnan Province have been designated to receive Bangladeshi patients.
He further said relevant departments from both countries are actively working to enhance medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures, clarifying treatment processes, and establishing translation teams.
During his recent visit to China, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the public health sector. He also requested that China facilitate medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients and consider assistance for hospital projects in Bangladesh.
No visa restrictions for Bangladeshis
Yao Wen said there are no visa restrictions for Bangladeshi citizens visiting China.
"So far, we don't have any restrictions for Bangladeshis who want to visit China. In fact, our policy is to welcome as many Bangladeshi friends as possible to visit China," he said in response to a question at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking the beginning of a structured medical treatment arrangement for Bangladeshi patients.
"From now on, we will have an online system. So, those who want to visit China must follow the online application system. We will make every effort to issue visas to every Bangladeshi applicant," he added.
He advised applicants to follow all required instructions and provide necessary information when applying for a visa.
