Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Following the news of significant Chinese investment in Bangladesh's healthcare sector, there has been widespread enthusiasm across the country, and Narayanganj is no exception. Over the past few days, various social media platforms and political leaders have jointly demanded the establishment of a modern hospital in the city with Chinese assistance. According to them, such a hospital would greatly improve the healthcare sector and ensure better medical services for the general public in Narayanganj.

 Meanwhile, residents of Narayanganj have also become vocal in expressing their demand amidst the nationwide buzz about hospital establishment with Chinese investment. From social media to street human chains and rallies, the people of the city are voicing their needs. Their main message: “It is very urgent to establish a modern hospital in Narayanganj.”

 A large section of Narayanganj’s residents have stated that the existing government hospitals do not provide sufficient services. Due to the high cost of advanced treatments, many are forced to travel to Dhaka or other cities. If a modern hospital is established in Narayanganj, healthcare access will become much easier for the city's large population. Local resident Md. Al Mehedi said, “We have been waiting for a modern hospital for a long time. Now that we hear a hospital might be established with Chinese assistance, why shouldn’t it be in Narayanganj?” The initiative to establish hospitals with Chinese assistance is still at a preliminary stage. The China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) had initiated discussions in 2020 regarding hospital construction in Bangladesh. However, it remains at an early discussion stage, as confirmed by Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). He mentioned that more detailed discussions are required before any final decision can be made. Meanwhile, political leaders in Narayanganj have also made their stance clear on the issue. Various local political parties have raised the demand for a modern hospital with Chinese funding through their programs and meetings. Additionally, various local organizations are submitting this demand to the government and continuing their protests through human chains and other activities.

 Sakib Hossain Hridoy, Convener of the Narayanganj Youth Federation, mentioned that the current state of the hospitals in Narayanganj is quite dire, especially with the heavy patient load in government hospitals. As the city's population continues to grow, there is an increasing need for expanded healthcare facilities. Access to quality healthcare has become more important than ever for the people of Narayanganj. If the city’s needs are met with the establishment of a modern hospital through state support and Chinese funding, the benefits would extend not just to Narayanganj but to the entire country.

The Chinese government has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector and initially proposed establishing hospitals of standards comparable to those in Singapore or Bangkok. However, so far, their interest has not yet translated into concrete action regarding the construction of a hospital in any specific location.

Experts suggest that such hospital projects require a comprehensive plan, proper land acquisition, and strong government support.