The first group of Bangladeshi patients left for China today under a bilateral medical cooperation initiative, offering alternative medicare services as Bangladeshis are struggling to obtain Indian visas amid growing challenges.

A 31-member delegation including 14 patients, their family members, physicians, travel agency representatives and journalists departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on a China Eastern Airlines flight this noon to Kunming, Yunnan Province of China.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen saw the patients off at the airport.

The patients will undergo medical check-ups and receive treatment at designated hospitals, while the doctors and travel agency representatives will assess hospital facilities, accommodation and travel arrangements.

At a press briefing at the airport before seeing off the delegation, the foreign secretary said that it is a very positive initiative that Bangladeshi patients are going to China for medical treatment.

Through this initiative, he said, Bangladeshi patients will be able to access medical services more easily in China

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, the secretary expressed hope that receiving medical treatment in Kunming would further enhance the relationship between the two nations and boost up people-to-people ties.

"We will further expand our cooperation adding more Chinese cities and high-level hospitals to provide Bangladeshi patients with greater medical choices," Chinese Ambassador Yao told the reporters.

“Successful launching of this medical group is an opportunity to expand collaboration across the broader spectrum.” the envoy said.

Noting that currently Bangladeshi citizens are facing difficulties in accessing medical treatment, he said, in response the interim government’s request, China has extended its helping hand in this regard.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed. The Chinese government took immediate measures, mobilized available resources, and designated the hospitals in China to facilitate the Bangladeshi patients to receive treatment," Yao said.

With the strong support of Yunnan Province, four top public hospitals- First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital and Yunnan Cancer Hospital- have been designated for Bangladeshi patients, the envoy said.

Yao said that these hospitals have highly skilled medical teams and advanced equipment, ensuring professional treatment plans, efficient medical procedures and high-quality healthcare services.

China has arranged experienced reception teams that provide tailored accommodations and meals to suit the preferences of Bangladeshi patients, Ambassador Yao said.

Besides, he said, proficient Bengali and English interpreters will be available throughout the medical process.

Chinese airlines also provided cheap air tickets for the patients traveling to China for medical treatment, said the ambassador.

To further facilitate Bangladeshi patients' medical visits to China, he said, the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has decided to simplify the medical visa application process and improve the efficiency of visa issuance.

Notably, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain requested his Chinese counterpart to provide medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients during his visit to China in February.