Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
Marking a new chapter in Bangladesh-China healthcare collaboration, the first batch of Bangladeshi patients departed for Kunming, China, on Monday to access affordable and high-quality medical treatment. Before their departure, a press conference was held at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, organized by Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
The event was graced by Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin and Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen, along with high-level officials, doctors, patients, and representatives from the travel agency facilitating the journey.
The initiative is part of a growing partnership between Bangladesh and China, aimed at providing affordable medical care to Bangladeshi patients. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, has emerged as a preferred destination due to its world-class hospitals, cost-effective treatments, and cultural compatibility.
Yao Wen, in his keynote speech, emphasised the importance of this collaboration. “Today marks a historic moment in the friendship between Bangladesh and China.
By opening our doors to Bangladeshi patients, we are not only offering medical treatment but also strengthening the bonds between our two nations.
Kunming’s hospitals are ready to provide compassionate, affordable, and high-quality care to all patients.” The first Bangladeshi medical delegation departing today consists of 31 members, including 14 patients, six family members, five doctors, five travel agency representatives, and one journalist, he said.
The patients and their families will undergo medical check-ups and receive treatment at designated hospitals, while the doctors and travel agency representatives will assess hospital facilities, accommodation, and travel arrangements.
This visit is not only a concrete step in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of foreign affairs, but also a direct response to the pressing concerns of the Bangladeshi people, drawing widespread attention from all sectors of society, the Ambassador said. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
The Chinese government took immediate measures, mobilized available resources, and designated hospitals in China to receive Bangladeshi patients. With the strong support of Yunnan Province, four of its top public hospitals The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital have been designated as the first batch of hospitals to receive Bangladeshi patients.
These hospitals boast highly skilled medical teams and advanced equipment, ensuring professional treatment plans, efficient medical procedures, and high-quality healthcare services for Bangladeshi patients,he said. China has arranged experienced reception teams that provide tailored accommodations and meals to suit the preferences of Bangladeshi patients.
Additionally, interpreters proficient in Bengali or English will be available throughout the medical process. Chinese airlines also provide cheap tickets for patients traveling to China for medical treatment, he said. To further facilitate Bangladeshi patients’ medical visits to China, the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has decided to simplify the medical visa application process and improve the efficiency of visa issuance.
Jasim Uddin said, “It’s a historic day for Bangladesh and China.
A new chapter has opened today in medical healthcare.” The connectivity is between Dhaka and Kunming is close. We are also thinking of connecting other districts with China, he said.
