Medical tourism set to get boost as Dhaka, Beijing review friendship hospital
The 1,000-bed healthcare project is estimated to cost Tk1,480 crore
Prospects for expanding medical tourism and improving access to advanced healthcare came into focus as Bangladesh and China reviewed progress of the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital at a high-level meeting in Dhaka today (18 January), according to a press release from the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman at the Chief Adviser's Office, where the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Discussions focused on the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital, a flagship healthcare initiative expected to significantly enhance specialised medical services in northern Bangladesh.
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Officials said the healthcare facility, once operational, would reduce the need for patients to travel abroad or to major cities for treatment, while also creating opportunities for regional medical tourism.
The Chinese envoy reiterated Beijing's continued support for Bangladesh's development priorities and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in the health sector. Both sides stressed the importance of timely completion of the project, describing it as a key symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The 1,000-bed, state-of-the-art hospital will be built in Nilphamari to provide advanced and specialised healthcare services. The facility is expected to serve local residents as well as patients from surrounding districts, easing pressure on hospitals in Dhaka and Rangpur.
Officials hoped that the availability of quality and affordable treatment could attract patients from neighbouring regions.
The Ministry of Health has already directed relevant authorities to prepare a master plan and detailed cost estimates. On 30 October last year, the Health Services Division issued an "urgent" notice to the Public Works Ministry, calling for swift action on preparatory work.
Officials from the Directorate General of Health Services, the Planning Commission and the Economic Relations Division said the project is estimated to cost Tk1,480 crore and will be fully funded through grants.
The hospital will be constructed on a 25-acre plot adjacent to the Darwani Textile Mill in Charaikhola Union under Nilphamari Sadar upazila along the Saidpur–Nilphamari road, with completion targeted by 2028.
The meeting also reviewed the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Ambassador Yao said he plans to visit the project area and reaffirmed China's commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment expeditiously.
He further reiterated Beijing's support for Bangladesh's ongoing democratic transition and conveyed best wishes for the successful conduct of the upcoming national elections.
