China is seeking to increase health tourism from Bangladesh following India’s reduction of visas for Bangladeshi patients due to diplomatic rifts. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s official visit to China will discuss expansion in medical cooperation, including designated hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients and a new Chinese-funded hospital in Dhaka. The decline in Indian visas leads many Bangladeshi patients to consider Chinese healthcare alternatives, with China positioned to benefit from this shift.

Amid rising tensions between Bangladesh and India, China is keen to capture a share of the approximately $5 billion that Bangladeshis spend on health care abroad. Following significant visa restrictions imposed by India on Bangladeshi patients, China is looking to enhance cooperation in health tourism during Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming official visit to China. The visit, scheduled for March 26 to 29, will include discussions with President Xi Jinping aimed at establishing better health services for Bangladeshis.

Chinese authorities have already designated four hospitals in Kunming to accept Bangladeshi patients. Furthermore, plans are in progress to establish a major Chinese-funded hospital in Dhaka, as emphasized by Mohammed Nore-Alam from the Bangladeshi foreign ministry. Yunus’s journey marks an important diplomatic move to improve health care options for his citizens, especially following the deterioration of relations with India.

In January, Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, advocating for support in medical treatment for Bangladeshis. Recently, a group of Bangladeshi representatives visited Kunming to examine medical facilities available, bolstered by the friendly presence of Chinese officials, including the envoy Yao Wen.

Historically, a significant number of Bangladeshis sought medical treatment in India, particularly in Kolkata, due to cultural similarities. However, visa issuances have sharply declined since mid-2023, from around 8,000 daily to fewer than 1,000, following internal political upheavals in Bangladesh. This decline in visa approvals has shifted the focus of many medical tourists towards China.

The Chinese strategy appears to capitalize on the opportunity presented by India’s restricted access. Munshi Fayez Ahmad noted that while the services will not be free, there is potential for mutual benefit. Additionally, Chinese authorities are streamlining visa procedures to attract more patients, with an emphasis on reducing wait times and increasing flight availability.

Although treatments in China are slightly more expensive than in India, they compare favorably against costs in Bangkok and Singapore. Enhanced language support in Chinese hospitals for Bengali patients mitigates previous communication barriers. However, experts like Mostafizur Rahman suggest the importance of improving Bangladesh’s domestic healthcare system to reduce the need for international medical travel, advocating for establishing modern hospitals within the country.

In conclusion, the tensions between Bangladesh and India have created an opportunity for China to step in and provide health services to Bangladeshi patients. With significant investment in health tourism and improved cooperation between Bangladesh and China, the future of medical treatment for Bangladeshis may greatly shift towards China. While there may be cost implications, strategic partnerships and reduced visa processing times are likely to enhance the appeal of Chinese medical facilities, despite ongoing discussions concerning the need to enhance domestic healthcare services in Bangladesh.

Original Source: www.benarnews.org

Related posts:

Bangladesh’s Yunus Plans Diplomatic Visit to China Amidst Strained India Relations Muhammad Yunus to Strengthen Ties with China Amid India Tensions India’s Visa Restrictions for Bangladesh Open Doors for Chinese Expansion Bangladesh-Aims to Strengthen China Relations and Boost Manufacturing Sector