China woos Bangladesh with healthcare as India ties sour
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
China said that three hospitals had been designated for Bangladeshi patients, in an effort to improve medical services.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
DHAKA – China has said it is preparing dedicated hospitals for Bangladeshi patients after Bangladesh’s relations with former major healthcare destination India soured, following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Mr Yao Wen, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, said three hospitals had been specially designated for Bangladeshi patients, with efforts made to “improve medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures”.
The Business Standard, a Dhaka-based daily, estimated that more than two million Bangladeshis had visited India annually for medical purposes before Ms Hasina was forced out in August 2024.
But relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have been frosty since Ms Hasina – a former close ally of India – was toppled in a student-led revolution.
Many Bangladeshis now complain of difficulty in obtaining Indian visas.
India has long been wary of China’s growing regional clout
Mr Yao said on Feb 18 that healthcare was only part of the increased cooperation between China and the interim government that replaced Ms Hasina.
“China has been the largest investor in Bangladesh since the establishment of the interim government,” Mr Yao said in a statement.
“Since Aug 13, Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladeshi partners, with a total intended investment of approximately US$230 million (S$308 million).”
Ms Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India after she fled Dhaka by helicopter as furious crowds stormed her palace, ending her autocratic 15-year rule. She has defied an arrest warrant from Dhaka to face charges of crimes against humanity.
The first batch of Bangladeshi patients are expected to arrive in China from March. AFP
