DHAKA, March 4, 2025 (BSS) - The first batch of Bangladeshi patients is set to depart for China on March 10 as part of a bilateral initiative to enhance medical service cooperation between the two countries.

The initial group is expected to consist of 11 patients, an official source told BSS this evening. 

They will leave from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking the beginning of a structured medical treatment arrangement in China.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen is scheduled to brief the media at 12:00 pm at the CIP outdoor pathway of the airport prior to the departure, according to the Chinese embassy here. 

Senior government officials, patient representatives, doctors, and travel agency officials will also be present at the event.

On February 18, Ambassador Yao announced that three top-tier hospitals in China Yunnan Province have been designated to receive Bangladeshi patients.

Ambassador Yao further noted that relevant departments from both countries are actively working to improve medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures, clarifying treatment processes, and establishing translation teams.

During his recent visit to China, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the public health sector.

He also requested China to facilitate medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients and consider assistance for hospital projects in Bangladesh.