A special ‘Green Channel’ has been launched at a hospital in China to facilitate advanced eye treatment for Bangladeshi patients, offering priority appointments, interpreter services and follow-up care after their return home.

The service was formally inaugurated at Kunming Huaxia Eye Hospital in Kunming, southwestern China, on Saturday.

Shahanaj Akhter Ranu, Consul General of Bangladesh in Kunming, unveiled the Green Channel plaque and also inaugurated the Huaxia Ophthalmology International Forum 2026 on the same day.

Ridwanur Rahman, First Secretary (Commercial) at the Bangladesh Consulate General, and Zhang Zhiyong, vice-president of Huaxia Eye Hospital, attended the programme.

Under the new arrangement, Bangladeshi patients will be able to receive medical consultations and have their medical records reviewed before travelling to China for treatment. Upon arrival, they will have access to a dedicated international desk, priority appointments and interpreter assistance to overcome language barriers. Follow-up care will also be available after they return to Bangladesh.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shahnaz Ranu highlighted progress in Bangladesh’s public health sector and the achievements of local institutions in eye care.

She stressed the importance of ensuring internationally recognised medical services for Bangladeshi patients while safeguarding patient safety, transparency in treatment costs, fair pricing and dignity.

The consul general said the consulate’s main expectations were to ensure quality and safe treatment, maintain transparency in medical expenses and uphold patients’ dignity.

She also urged the hospital authorities to contribute not only to expanding treatment opportunities for Bangladeshi patients in China but also to strengthening Bangladesh’s own eye-care capacity.

She particularly emphasised training for Bangladeshi ophthalmologists and nurses, teleconsultation services and partnerships with eye-care institutions in Bangladesh.

Such initiatives could help improve the country’s capacity to provide advanced eye treatment at home, she noted.

The launch of the Green Channel establishes a coordinated support system for Bangladeshi eye patients, covering pre-travel consultations, hospital treatment and post-treatment follow-up. It also highlights opportunities to expand training and institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and China in ophthalmology.