Bangladesh looks beyond India as ties shift toward China
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
As of April 2, 2025, Bangladesh’s medical tourism landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by recent political changes and evolving international partnerships.
For decades, India had been the primary destination for Bangladeshi medical travelers. Each year, more than 450,000 Bangladeshis sought treatment abroad—mostly in India—spending an estimated $5 billion annually. This is according to NDTV World and local newspapers.
A sharp decline in medical travel to India
That long-standing relationship has come under pressure since the political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted. India responded by limiting the issuance of medical visas for Bangladeshi citizens, officially citing staff shortages and security concerns. The impact was immediate: medical travel dropped by 43% in November and a further 59% in December.
For patients, the consequences have been deeply personal. Khadiza Khatun, whose husband needs a liver transplant, expressed her frustration to Al Jazeera:
We are yet to secure visas for the trip. Amid escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh since the August ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Indian authorities have significantly scaled back visa operations in Bangladesh.
The strain on visa access hasn’t only affected individuals—it’s also rippled through India’s private health sector. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, told Hindustan Times:
The Indian medical tourism industry has been impacted following the ban on Bangladeshi visas, with a noticeable drop in the number of patients.
Turning to China for treatment
In response, Bangladesh has begun seeking alternatives—most notably, by turning to China. In March 2025, the first group of Bangladeshi patients traveled to China for medical treatment, marking a significant shift in regional health diplomacy. Four hospitals in Kunming have been designated specifically for Bangladeshi patients, and plans are underway to build a 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital in Dhaka.
Azizul Hakim, one of the patients in the first group to travel to China, praised the experience in a statement to Xinhua News:
Visa facility has been done very well. I would like to express my sincere thanks to China. I will be able to receive treatment at the best hospital in China.
During a state visit, interim leader Muhammad Yunus underscored this pivot in foreign relations, saying:
It’s very important that we see China as our good friend.
Strengthening healthcare at home
At the same time, Bangladesh is not only looking abroad. Efforts are underway to strengthen the country’s own healthcare infrastructure. The upcoming 8th International Health Tourism & Services Expo, scheduled for May 8–10, 2025, in Dhaka, will showcase local and international health services. Organizers aim to promote Bangladesh as an emerging destination for affordable, high-quality treatment.
A sector in transition
These developments reflect a significant turning point. Where once Indian hospitals dominated the regional medical tourism market, shifting alliances and political tensions have created space for new players. Bangladesh is now navigating a complex new reality—balancing foreign partnerships with an urgent push to improve healthcare access at home.
As regional dynamics shift, the future of Bangladesh’s medical tourism will likely depend on both diplomacy and the success of its efforts to build capacity at home. For patients, the hope remains the same: access to timely, affordable, and quality care—wherever it may be found.
How big is global medical tourism?
Market size: Estimated at $115–130 billion USD in 2024
Growth rate: Projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11–14% over the next 5 years
Annual travelers: Between 14 and 18 million people travel internationally each year for medical treatment
Average spending: Ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 per visit, depending on the procedure and destination
Common treatments: Cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, fertility treatments, cosmetic surgery, organ transplants, dental care, and cancer therapy
Top medical tourism earners by country
Thailand
Earns over $5 billion USD annually from medical tourism
Known for cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and wellness care
Popular with travelers from the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S.
India
Generates around $7–9 billion USD annually from medical tourism
Strong in cardiology, organ transplants, oncology, and fertility treatment
Popular with patients from Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East
Treatments often cost 60–80% less than in Western countries
Turkey
Earns approximately $3–4 billion USD per year
Known for hair transplants, plastic surgery, eye care, and dentistry
Attracts patients from Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa
Mexico
A top destination for U.S. and Canadian medical tourists
Popular for dental care, bariatric surgery, and cosmetic procedures
Generates around $2–3 billion USD
Malaysia
Earns $1.5–2 billion USD annually
Known for a mix of modern hospitals and affordable, high-quality care
Popular with travelers from Indonesia, the Gulf region, and the West
Rising players
South Korea: High-tech procedures and cosmetic surgery
United Arab Emirates (especially Dubai): Luxury medical tourism
Singapore: Known for cutting-edge diagnostics and executive health checks
Costa Rica and Colombia: Gaining attention for dental and cosmetic services
