Diplomatic rift drives BD patients to China
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
The long-standing trend of Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in India is set to experience a significant shift as China emerges as a new destination for healthcare.
This development follows a diplomatic stalemate between Dhaka and New Delhi after the July-August 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of Sheikh Hasina to India.
Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi patients with complex health conditions travel to India due to its proximity, affordable costs, advanced treatment facilities, and the perceived shortcomings of Bangladesh’s healthcare system, medical experts say.
Regarding Bangladesh’s dependency on India for healthcare, Prof Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, Head of Cancer Epidemiology at Gonoshasthaya Kendra Medical College and Hospital, told The New Nation on Friday, “Patients often lack trust in doctors during treatment.
Bangladesh lacks adequate facilities for managing diseases like cancer and kidney conditions. Additionally, doctors do not provide sufficient time for patients, and there is a significant gap in counselling services.”
The Bureau of Immigration of the Indian government reveals that approximately 635,000 medical tourists visited India in 2023, an increase from 475,000 in 2022.
Of these, around 300,000 to 350,000 were Bangladeshi nationals.
However, the actual number of medical tourists is believed to be much higher – close to two million – as many opt to travel on tourist visas.
According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, around 2.5 million Bangladeshi medical tourists travel to India annually, spending approximately $500 million on healthcare.
Since the disruption of Indian visas, Indian media has repeatedly reported a drastic decline in Bangladeshi patients and tourists, significantly impacting local incomes.
Indian visa centres have ceased issuing visas since mid-2024, citing a “manpower shortfall.” Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly urged India to resume issuing visas for patients and students, little progress has been made.
Frustrated by the inability to obtain Indian visas, Bangladeshi patients with critical illnesses are now seeking treatment in other countries.
In response to this crisis, the Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, has negotiated with China to secure medical facilities for its citizens.
As part of this agreement, three top-tier hospitals in Kunming, Yunnan Province, have been designated exclusively for Bangladeshi patients. These hospitals are expected to begin receiving patients by May or June 2025.
Amidst the diplomatic row between Dhaka and Delhi over the Sheikh Hasina issue, the Interim Government of Bangladesh has engaged in discussions with China to secure medical facilities for its citizens.
Recently, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain visited China at the invitation of the Chinese government and discussed various bilateral issues, including the arrangement of dedicated hospitals in Kunming.
The Chinese government has warmly accepted the request of the Interim Government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, and has arranged for three hospitals in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, while visiting a Chinese bookstall at the Bangla Academy premises on Friday, told journalists, “China has already designated three hospitals in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
These are among the top hospitals in China, equipped with all necessary facilities, skilled doctors, and comprehensive patient services.”
“These are the top hospitals in China, with state-of-the-art facilities, experienced doctors, and extensive patient services,” he added. “We expect that Bangladeshi patients will begin receiving treatment in these three hospitals in Kunming by May or June this year,” he said.
Regarding treatment costs, Ambassador Yao stated, “We are working with travel agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible services at reduced costs.”
The Chinese government is also considering streamlined visa processes for medical patients, with further discussions on this matter expected in the coming months.
Asked about the issuance of medical visas, he said, “We are considering it and will discuss the matter further with relevant authorities.”
The lack of budgetary allocation for medical services, coupled with a shortage of skilled doctors and modern medical equipment, has contributed to Bangladesh’s reliance on other countries.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh, the budget allocation for healthcare has been less than one per cent of GDP for the past 20 years, indicating that healthcare has been one of the least prioritised sectors by the government. The health budget per capita has increased by only Tk 186, from Tk 2,227 in 2023 to Tk 2,413 in 2024.
Dr Habibullah stated, “Patients will always seek better treatment at lower costs. China could become a key destination under health tourism.”