In a significant move to bolster medical cooperation between Bangladesh and China, Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus, in his recent visit to China, urged opening new avenues for Bangladesh-China cooperation to ensure quality healthcare. With a keen interest in expanding medical tourism for Bangladeshi patients, this initiative comes at a time when the healthcare landscape in the region is undergoing substantial changes. The challenges faced by Bangladeshi patients in obtaining medical visas for India have prompted a search for alternative destinations, and the Chief Adviser has proposed China to step up to fill that gap. If China can provide quality healthcare and attract a large number of Bangladeshi patients, it would transform the medical tourism narrative in Bangladesh as well as contribute to the Chinese economy.
By Tanim Jasim
The Visa Dilemma
For years, India has been the “go-to destination” for Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment. However, since August, the situation has drastically changed. The Indian government has significantly reduced the number of medical visas issued, handing out fewer than 1,000 medical visas each working day, a stark decline from the previous figures of 5,000 to 7,000. This reduction has left many patients in a lurch, seeking alternatives that can provide timely, cost-friendly, and effective medical care.
In this context, China emerges as a viable option. The country has a robust healthcare system, advanced medical technologies, and a growing reputation for quality medical services.
China’s Response: A Warm Welcome for Bangladeshi Patients
In response to the growing demand for medical services from Bangladesh, China has dedicated specific hospitals in Kunming, to host Bangladeshi patients. This strategic move not only demonstrates China’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations but also addresses the urgent healthcare needs of Bangladeshi citizens.
The first group of 31 individuals, including patients, family members, doctors, travel agents, and journalists, recently departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a China Eastern Airlines flight to Kunming. This inaugural journey marked a significant milestone in the burgeoning medical cooperation between the two countries, which needs to be expanded expeditiously.
A Bilateral Initiative: Strengthening Ties
This initiative can also be perceived as a part of a broader effort to enhance bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and China, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The designation of three top-tier hospitals in Kunming underscores the commitment to providing quality healthcare to Bangladeshi patients.
The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has also taken proactive steps to simplify the medical visa application process, improving the efficiency of visa issuance for patients seeking treatment in China. This streamlined process is crucial in ensuring that patients can access the medical care they need without unnecessary delays.
A Comprehensive Support System is Required to Develop
To facilitate this medical tourism initiative, the Bangladesh government needs to develop a comprehensive homegrown support system for the patients to provide an effortless and accessible service. Dedicated travel agencies should be appointed to provide comprehensive package services for patients as well as to protect the patients from fraudulent malpractices. These packages should include visa assistance, air tickets, accommodation, food, and medical expenses, ensuring that patients and their families have a seamless experience throughout their medical journey. This collaborative effort between designated travel agencies and healthcare providers is essential in making medical tourism a viable option for Bangladeshi patients.
Long-Term Goals: A Vision for the Future
The long-term goals of this initiative extend beyond immediate medical needs. By strengthening ties between Bangladesh and China, both countries can work towards creating a sustainable framework for medical cooperation. This includes reducing costs to make medical tourism in China competitive and attractive for Bangladeshi patients.
Establishing agent offices in Dhaka, similar to Singapore’s Medical Hospitals that have link offices in the city, can provide essential support to patients seeking treatment abroad. These offices can assist with the entire process, from initial inquiries to post-treatment follow-ups, ensuring that patients receive the care they need without unnecessary complications.
The government needs to facilitate the establishment of such offices, considering them as foreign investment, easing the process. While Bangladesh facilitates Chinese healthcare providers, the Chinese government needs to explore the possibilities to reduce the cost per patient to make medical tourism affordable for Bangladeshi patients. Reducing airfare, smooth and simplified VAT return service to visiting patients, and providing designated cheaper housing would help China in this regard.
Moreover, establishing a simplified and rapid visa process will further enhance the accessibility of medical services in China. The idea of creating a friendship hospital in Dhaka, where Chinese medical professionals can collaborate with local healthcare providers, could serve as a bridge between the two nations, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and expertise.
Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
As Bangladesh and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, this medical cooperation initiative would stand as a testament to the evolving partnership between the two nations. The historical ties that have been forged over the decades are now being translated into tangible benefits for the people of Bangladesh, particularly in the realm of healthcare.
The collaboration between Bangladesh and China in the medical field is not just about addressing immediate healthcare needs; it is about building a foundation for future cooperation based on shared benefit, as urged by the Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus.
Tanim Jasim, Assistant Professor, Department of Bangla, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
