China Eastern Airlines has announced plans to operate flights from Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong to Kunming to facilitate access for Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment in the southern Chinese city, officials reported on Saturday.
China has designated four hospitals in Kunming specifically for the treatment of patients from Bangladesh.
However, the high cost of air tickets has been a significant barrier to travel to these healthcare facilities.
Officials said that the new flights between Kunming and Chittagong will reduce travel costs and time, making it easier for more Bangladeshis to access healthcare in China.
Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam mentioned that the authorities in Kunming have reserved hospital floors for Bangladeshi patients.
"The treatment fees are reasonable, with patients from Bangladesh paying the same rates as local Chinese residents," Nazmul said.
To further reduce travel expenses, civil aviation authorities in Dhaka are working to lower the cost of flights between Dhaka and Kunming.
Chinese authorities have also committed to expanding healthcare facilities in the country for Bangladeshi patients.
In April, Bangladesh plans to send a large team of journalists to Kunming to observe the treatment facilities firsthand.
Last month, a group of Bangladeshis travelled to Kunming for treatment for the first time.
While they praised the quality of the hospitals, many expressed concerns over the high travel costs.
