Chittagong: China Eastern Airlines has announced plans to operate flights from Chittagong to Kunming. The new route is expected to facilitate travel for Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in Kunming, a city in southern China.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this development comes as a relief for many, as China has designated four hospitals in Kunming specifically for Bangladeshi patients. Despite these provisions, the high cost of air travel has been a significant barrier for those needing to access medical services in China.
Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, mentioned that the introduction of flights between Chittagong and Kunming would significantly reduce both travel costs and time. This sentiment was echoed by Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh’s ambassador to China, who emphasized that Kunming authorities have reserved hospital floors exclusively for Bangladeshi patients, ensuring they pay the same fees as local Chinese residents.
In a related move, Dhaka’s civil aviation authorities are also working to lower air ticket prices for flights between Dhaka and Kunming. Chinese officials have expressed their commitment to expanding healthcare facilities for Bangladeshis across China.
Furthermore, a team of Bangladeshi journalists is scheduled to visit Kunming in April to evaluate the treatment facilities firsthand. This follows a recent trip by several Bangladeshis to Kunming for medical treatment, who praised the hospital standards but noted concerns over travel expenses.