Bangladesh’s 1,000-Bed Medicare Hospital Gets Green Light Under China’s Belt and Road Plan

The Bangladesh-China Friendship Medicare General Hospital in Nilphamari has received final approval. This 1,000-bed facility, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, will serve northern Bangladesh and nearby regions. Construction is set to finish by 2028, with most funding coming from a Chinese grant.

The project began in 2020 under the Awami League government and continues under the interim administration. China proposed the Medicare hospital as part of its broader Belt and Road strategy, aiming to boost healthcare ties. The total cost is estimated at Tk 2,293 crore, with China providing Tk 2,220 crore and Bangladesh contributing Tk 72.9 crore.

The 10-storey Medicare hospital will specialise in complex and chronic illnesses, along with maternal and neonatal care. Once operational, it is expected to become a regional healthcare hub, drawing patients from neighbouring countries. The facility will also showcase Chinese medical technology through the Belt and Road Healthcare Centre.

Beyond Nilphamari, China has proposed two more Medicare projects in Bangladesh. These include a 500 to 700-bed general hospital in Chattogram and a 100-bed rehabilitation centre in Dhamrai. The move follows India’s restrictions on medical visas for Bangladeshis, prompting China to encourage treatment in Kunming instead.

The Medicare hospital’s completion in 2028 will expand advanced medical services in northern Bangladesh. Funded largely by China, the project strengthens bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. It also opens new Medicare options for patients previously reliant on overseas treatment.