The first group of Bangladeshi patients left for China on Monday (March 10, 2025) under the bilateral medical cooperation initiative to provide alternative medical services to Bangladeshis facing difficulties in obtaining Indian visas for advanced medical treatment.
A 31-member delegation, including 14 patients, their family members, doctors, travel agency representatives and journalists, left for Kunming in Yunnan Province, China, on a China Eastern Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday (March 10, 2025) at noon.
Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen saw off the delegation including the patients at the airport.
After reaching there, the patients will undergo medical check-ups and will receive treatment at the designated hospitals. The accompanying doctors and travel agency representatives will assess the hospital facilities, accommodation and travel arrangements.
Before bidding farewell to the delegation, the Foreign Secretary said at a press conference at the airport that Bangladeshi patients going to China for treatment is a very positive initiative.
He said that as a result of this initiative, Bangladeshi patients will be able to receive medical services in China more easily.
Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, the Foreign Secretary expressed hope that receiving medical services in Kunming will further improve relations between the two countries and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Chinese Ambassador Yao told reporters, “We will further expand our cooperation so that better medical facilities can be provided to Bangladeshi patients.”
The ambassador said, “The successful journey of this medical group has created an opportunity to expand cooperation between the two countries on a large scale.”
Noting that Bangladeshi citizens are currently facing various difficulties in getting better medical treatment, he said that China has extended a helping hand in this regard in response to the request of the interim government.
Yao said, “A friend in need is a true friend. The Chinese government has taken immediate measures to facilitate the treatment of Bangladeshi patients, coordinated existing facilities, and designated Chinese hospitals to provide services.
The ambassador said that with the strong support of Yunnan Province, four leading government hospitals – Yunnan Province First People’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Yunnan Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital – have been designated to provide services to Bangladeshi patients.
Yao said that these hospitals have highly qualified medical teams and advanced equipment, which ensure professional medical treatment, efficient treatment methods, and high-quality healthcare.
Ambassador Yao said that China has arranged an experienced hospitality team to provide suitable accommodation and meals according to the preferences of Bangladeshi patients. He added that skilled Bengali and English interpreters will be available during medical treatment.
The ambassador said that Chinese airlines are also offering cheap air tickets for patients traveling to China for medical treatment.
He said, to make it easier for Bangladeshi patients to get medical services in China, the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has decided to simplify the medical visa application and issuance process.
It is worth noting that Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain had requested his Chinese counterpart to provide medical services to Bangladeshi patients during his visit to China in February.
Source: BSS.
