The first batch of Bangladeshi patients is set to leave Dhaka for China on Monday as the two sides are working to improve medical service mechanisms.

The first batch is likely to consist of 11 patients, an official told UNB, adding that they will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on March 10.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will brief the media at 12pm at the CIP outdoor pathway at the airport before departure.

Senior government officials, representatives of patients, doctors and travel agencies will attend.

On February 18, Ambassador Yao said three top-tier hospitals in China’s Yunnan Province have been designated to specifically receive Bangladeshi patients.

First eleven medical tourists to China to leave March 10

“If all the efforts continue smoothly, the first group of Bangladeshi patients could receive treatment in China as early as in March this year,” he said during a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in the capital.

He said relevant departments from both countries are working to improve medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures, clarifying treatment processes and establishing translation teams.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, during his recent visit to China, proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in public health, kindly requesting China to facilitate medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients in China and render due consideration to the aided hospital projects.

“China attaches vital importance to these proposals,” said Ambassador Yao assuring of providing top quality services.