China to Build Three Hospitals in Bangladesh, Including a 1,000-Bed Hospital as a Gift to Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Major Medical Boost: China’s Pledge to Strengthen Bangladesh’s Healthcare Sector

In a significant gesture to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, China has pledged to construct three hospitals in Bangladesh, including a 1,000-bed specialised facility in Nilphamari as a gift. The announcement was made at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on April 13, where senior Bangladeshi health officials outlined the details of the initiative.

Health Adviser Noorjahan Begum confirmed that the gifted hospital will be built near the Teesta Project in Nilphamari, with an initial site of 16 acres already identified close to Nilphamari Medical College. She said the facility will serve as a specialised hospital catering to advanced treatment needs in the northern region of the country.

Two More Hospitals Under Chinese Investment

In addition to the flagship project, China will invest in the construction of two more hospitals in Bangladesh. Feasibility studies are currently underway for a planned 500–700-bed general hospital in South Karnaphuli, Chattogram. Meanwhile, in Dhamrai on the outskirts of Dhaka, China intends to build a 100-bed rehabilitation centre designed to support patients with various physical disabilities.

Dr Md Abu Jafor, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, said that China has shown strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s health sector. However, he noted that discussions are still in the early stages, and the specific investment framework has yet to be finalised.

Robotic Physiotherapy Gifted to Bangladesh Medical University

As part of this growing collaboration, China has also donated a robotic physiotherapy system to Bangladesh. The authorities will install the equipment, which has already arrived at Chittagong Port, at Bangladesh Medical University, formerly known as BSMMU.

According to Noorjahan Begum, the physiotherapy unit will be instrumental in treating patients with spinal cord and mobility injuries. A local medical team will train to operate the system, ensuring it becomes a sustainable part of the country’s rehabilitation infrastructure.

Medical Aid for Victims of July Uprising

The press briefing also addressed the government’s ongoing efforts to care for victims of the July-August uprising, which resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread injuries. According to verified government data, more than 864 people died and over 14,000 were injured in the unrest. Of those injured, 70 percent were workers or civilians, while around 25 percent were students. The violence led to catastrophic injuries, with 21 individuals rendered completely blind and approximately 450 others losing one eye.

So far, authorities have sent 50 injured individuals abroad for treatment in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Russia. The government is now preparing to send another 60 wounded individuals overseas for further treatment. Of this group, officials will send eight to Singapore and Thailand, 21 to Turkey, and 31 to Pakistan.

China Pledges Over $138 Million to Boost Bangladesh’s Health Sector

China will provide $138.20 million in aid to support the development of Bangladesh’s health sector, Health Advisor Noorjahan Begum announced on Sunday (April 20). She made the statement at the inaugural ceremony of the Yunnan Education and Health Exhibition, held at the Senate Building of the University of Dhaka.

As part of the new cooperation, China has agreed to build a hospital specifically for paralyzed patients in Dhamrai, Dhaka. Begum highlighted Bangladesh’s close ties with China during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Bangladesh had sourced the highest number of vaccines from China during that period.

A Milestone in Health Diplomacy

While the talks with China are ongoing, these initiatives represent a major step forward in Bangladesh’s healthcare landscape.

One hospital has already been confirmed as a diplomatic gift, while others are progressing under Chinese investment. These projects mark both a boost in Bangladesh’s medical infrastructure and a deepening of ties between Dhaka and Beijing.

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