Bangladesh approves China-funded 1,000-bed hospital in Nilphamari

Bangladesh has approved plans for a major new hospital in Nilphamari, funded largely by China. The 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital was signed off on Sunday, with construction set to begin next year. Once completed, it will serve the northern region and neighbouring countries with advanced medical care.

The project was first launched under the Awami League government and is now being carried forward by the interim administration. The 10-storey facility, costing an estimated Tk 2,293 crore, will specialise in complex and chronic diseases, as well as maternal and neonatal treatment. China will provide Tk 2,220 crore in grant funding, while Bangladesh contributes Tk 72.9 crore.

Construction is expected to take up nearly 35% of the budget, with around Tk 802 crore allocated for building work. The hospital is scheduled to open by 2028, later than the initial 2026 target. It will also function as a Belt and Road Healthcare Centre, showcasing Chinese medical technology.

Beyond Nilphamari, China has expressed interest in developing further healthcare projects in Bangladesh. These include a 500-700 bed general hospital in Chattogram and a 100-bed rehabilitation centre in Dhamrai.

The hospital will bring specialised medical services to Bangladesh’s northern districts and nearby regions. With most funding coming from China, the project marks a significant expansion of healthcare infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative.