Bangladesh eyes Tk3,425cr Chinese grant for two hospitals in Chattogram and Rangpur
Both projects targeted for completion by 2028
Following assurances from Beijing, the government has submitted one formal proposal to China and is preparing another, seeking Tk3,425 crore in grant funding to build two major hospitals – one in Chattogram and the other in Rangpur Division.
The total estimated cost of the projects is Tk4,107 crore, according to officials from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Planning Commission, and Economic Relations Division (ERD).
The Chattogram facility in Hathazari Upazila will have 500–700 beds at an estimated cost of Tk2,627 crore, of which Tk1,945 crore is expected from China. The Rangpur hospital, a 1,000-bed facility, is estimated at Tk1,480 crore and is expected to be fully grant-funded.
Officials said both projects are targeted for completion by 2028. The preliminary project proposal (PDPP) for the Rangpur hospital has already been sent to China, while the Chattogram proposal has received approval from the planning adviser and been submitted to the ERD for foreign funding.
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An ERD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "The PDPP for the Rangpur hospital has already been sent to China as the two governments had agreed upon it. A formal grant proposal for the Chattogram facility will follow after a scheduled ERD meeting early next month."
Visa complications, Chinese pledge
The move follows last year's visa complications after the 5 August regime change, which disrupted Bangladeshi patients' ability to access treatment in India. China responded by offering healthcare services through hospitals in Kunming and pledged funding for three hospitals in Bangladesh.
Discussions began during a foreign adviser's visit to China in January, followed by a meeting on 19 February at the ERD that outlined three projects for Chinese support. Two of them – the Chattogram and Rangpur hospitals – are now moving forward.
On 13 April, DGHS Director General Dr Abu Zafar confirmed Chinese backing for a specialised hospital in Nilphamari in Rangpur Division, the Chattogram general hospital, and a rehabilitation hospital in Dhaka.
Nilphamari's 1,000-bed facility will be developed near the Teesta project, while the third project in Dhamrai in Dhaka was chosen for the rehabilitation hospital.
On 7 August, Dr Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the health ministry, said Chinese-funded projects would create a medical city in northern Bangladesh, a women's hospital in the south, and a geriatric hospital in the east.
On 24 August, when asked about the matter, Dr Sayedur declined to comment on the matter.
Chattogram hospital
According to the PDPP, the Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital in Chattogram will be a tertiary-level facility combining clinical care, research, and training.
The hospital will feature cardiology, neurology, nephrology, and infectious disease units, supported by ICUs, HDUs, dialysis, and cardiac care facilities, alongside a fully functional dental unit.
A modern outpatient department, 24/7 emergency services, surgical theatre complex, and advanced diagnostics with MRI, CT scan, and laboratories will be part of the facility.
A Nursing College attached to the hospital will address workforce shortages, while supporting services will include CSSD, waste management, telemedicine, digital health records, and a mortuary and forensic unit. Residential facilities for staff and families will be provided.
The hospital will serve Chattogram city's 3.2 million residents and the wider district population of over nine million. With Chattogram Medical College Hospital already running at over 130% occupancy, the new facility is expected to relieve existing pressure and enhance tertiary care.
Rangpur hospital
The Rangpur hospital will provide specialised healthcare for northern Bangladesh, including oncology, neurology, cardiology, nephrology, paediatric and neonatal intensive care.
A dedicated dialysis centre with 200 machines will be installed, while an additional 1,000 machines will be distributed nationwide to improve kidney treatment. The facility will feature modular operation theatres, emergency surgical rooms, and a diagnostic block with PET-CT, MRI, and molecular laboratories.
Planning documents describe the hospital as critical to reducing the burden on Dhaka's tertiary facilities and cutting costs for patients who otherwise must travel long distances for advanced treatment.
Officials said the two hospitals will not only expand healthcare capacity but also strengthen training, research, and emergency services. By locating facilities in Chattogram and Rangpur, the government aims to reduce regional disparities in access to quality care and ensure that specialised treatment is available outside the capital.
