China to Partner with Bangladesh on District-Wide Hospital Network

China has proposed a groundbreaking initiative to establish state-of-the-art hospitals in every district of Bangladesh, aiming to revolutionize the country's healthcare infrastructure and provide equitable medical access nationwide.

The plan includes constructing 64 modern hospitals, adding 50,000 new beds with cutting-edge facilities to the healthcare sector. This initiative, if implemented, is expected to reduce the heavy financial burden on citizens seeking medical treatment abroad and enhance local healthcare services.

Talks Resume After Pandemic Delay

The proposal was initially introduced in early 2020 by China Machinery Engineering Corporation but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions have recently resumed after a meeting on March 14 between Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen.

“The Chinese Ambassador visited to discuss potential collaboration in healthcare,” Dr. Sen confirmed. “While we haven’t received a formal proposal yet, the ministry is prepared to proceed as soon as it arrives.”

Addressing Healthcare Gaps

Experts have lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to address longstanding issues in Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Syed Abdul Hamid, a professor at the Institute of Health Economics, Dhaka University, highlighted the advantages of this investment.

“Our public hospitals are underperforming, and the private sector is profit-driven. This proposal could introduce affordable, high-quality healthcare services,” Prof. Hamid said.

The proposed hospitals aim to meet international standards while keeping diagnostic costs affordable. The facilities will focus on treating critical illnesses, including kidney, heart, and cancer diseases, employing 70% local medical staff alongside international experts.

Government’s Role in the Project

The initiative gained renewed attention after Ambassador Yao Wen’s visit. ATM Saiful Islam, Additional Secretary of the Development Wing at the Ministry of Health, clarified the current status. “This is still an informal discussion. Once we receive a formal proposal, we will take necessary steps,” he stated.

The original proposal, submitted to the Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing, highlighted the country’s annual outflow of $400-500 million for medical treatment abroad. A dedicated committee was previously formed to assess the feasibility of this initiative. A prominent real estate company has also expressed interest in providing land for the hospitals.

Expert Opinions

Prof. Hamid stressed the importance of distributing hospitals across all districts rather than concentrating them in urban areas. “A nationwide network is crucial for an effective referral system,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for fair negotiations. “It’s essential to safeguard public interests during discussions to ensure affordability and quality,” he added.

China’s Role in Bangladesh’s Health Sector

China already plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector, supplying medical equipment and raw materials for pharmaceuticals. During the COVID-19 crisis, Chinese vaccines were instrumental in managing the outbreak.

Recent collaborations include a Tk 285 crore burn and plastic surgery unit at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, largely funded by China, and an advanced pediatric heart treatment project at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.

The renewed proposal marks a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to improve its healthcare infrastructure. If executed effectively, the project could make quality healthcare accessible to all citizens across the country.