Medical tourism is a growing trend globally, and Bangladesh is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for affordable healthcare services. With high-quality hospitals and specialists across various medical fields, including cardiac surgery, orthopaedic care, and cancer treatment, Bangladesh draws patients from nearby countries and beyond. This article explores the state of medical tourism in Bangladesh, highlights vital medical services, and provides insights into cost benefits and the infrastructure supporting international patients.
Why Bangladesh is Becoming a Medical Tourism Hub
- Affordable Treatment Costs:
Bangladesh offers treatments at significantly lower costs than many Western and Southeast Asian countries. Procedures like cardiac bypass surgery, orthopaedic surgeries, and cancer treatments are often available at a fraction of the price of similar services in neighbouring countries like India, Thailand, and Malaysia. This affordability without compromising quality makes it a cost-effective destination for healthcare. - High-Quality Healthcare Facilities:
Bangladesh has a growing number of state-of-the-art hospitals, such as United Hospital, Evercare Hospital Dhaka, and Square Hospital, which offer international standards of care. These facilities have departments dedicated to specific specialities, from oncology and cardiology to orthopaedics and neurology, providing local and international patients with high-quality treatment options. - Expert Medical Specialists:
The country has a wealth of highly trained doctors, many of whom have studied and worked abroad before returning to Bangladesh. Medical professionals with expertise in cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, and neurology provide patients with advanced medical care at a fraction of the global cost. - No Language Barrier for South Asian Patients:
Bangladesh presents an added advantage for patients from South Asian countries, as communication is more accessible with little to no language barrier. Many hospitals also employ multilingual staff, making communicating with healthcare providers easier for patients from different backgrounds. - Easy Accessibility and Geographic Proximity:
Bangladesh’s geographic proximity to South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and improved transportation infrastructure make it an accessible destination. Dhaka and Chattogram, the main cities for medical tourism, are easily reachable by international flights, and many hospitals are located near these hubs.
Popular Treatments for Medical Tourists in Bangladesh
- Cardiac Care and Surgery:
Bangladesh has advanced facilities for cardiac procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angioplasty, and heart valve surgery. Leading hospitals like United Hospital and NICVD offer high-quality cardiac care at affordable rates. - Orthopaedic Surgeries:
Bangladesh has skilled orthopaedic surgeons for joint replacement surgeries (like hip and knee replacement), spinal surgeries, and sports injury treatments. Orthopaedic procedures are widely sought after by international patients due to their lower costs and shorter recovery periods in the country. - Cancer Treatments:
With hospitals such as NICRH (National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital) and Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital, Bangladesh is a strong option for cancer care, offering treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Cancer treatments are considerably less expensive than in many neighbouring countries while maintaining high care standards. - Bone Marrow Transplants:
Bangladesh offers bone marrow transplants (BMT) at facilities like Bangladesh Specialized Hospital and United Hospital for patients with blood disorders. BMT costs in Bangladesh are often half those in other South Asian destinations, attracting patients from countries with limited access to this life-saving procedure. - Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery:
Bangladesh is emerging as a hub for cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, and reconstructive surgeries, at competitive prices. High-quality care with skilled plastic surgeons and modern facilities make it a destination for patients seeking affordable aesthetic treatments.
Cost Comparison for Key Procedures
| Treatment | Cost in Bangladesh (USD) | Cost in India (USD) | Cost in Thailand (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass Surgery | 2,500 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 7,000 | 12,000 – 15,000 |
| Bone Marrow Transplant | 14,000 – 28,000 | 25,000 – 40,000 | 45,000 – 60,000 |
| Knee Replacement | 2,500 – 4,000 | 4,000 – 5,000 | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Cancer Treatment | 3,000 – 10,000 | 6,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 30,000 |
Support for Medical Tourists in Bangladesh
- International Patient Services:
Major hospitals like Evercare and Square Hospital offer dedicated international patient departments to assist with medical visas, language interpretation, airport pickup, and accommodation arrangements. This support helps streamline the process, making medical care more accessible for foreign patients. - Medical Tourism Agencies:
Several agencies facilitate medical tourism by coordinating appointments, travel, and accommodations. These agencies are experienced in handling the requirements of international patients, making the process efficient and stress-free. - Affordable Lodging Options:
Bangladesh offers a range of lodging options near medical facilities, from budget-friendly guest houses to luxury hotels. The accommodation cost in Dhaka and Chattogram is relatively low, allowing patients and their families to stay comfortably during treatment. - Flexible Payment Options:
Many hospitals in Bangladesh accept international credit cards and work with overseas insurance providers to facilitate payment. Some hospitals also offer flexible payment plans for procedures that require extensive financial planning. - Cultural Familiarity and Support for Families:
Bangladesh’s shared cultural values make it a more familiar and comfortable environment for medical tourists from South Asia. Hospitals often have facilities that accommodate family members, who are encouraged to be part of the healing process.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While Bangladesh has made significant strides in medical tourism, specific challenges remain, including infrastructure limitations and a need for further regulatory measures to ensure quality assurance. Expanding access to digital health records, improving customer service, and building partnerships with international health insurance providers will help strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a competitive medical tourism destination.
Conclusion
With affordable, high-quality healthcare, skilled specialists, and increasing support for international patients, Bangladesh is quickly becoming a viable destination for medical tourism. As more patients seek affordable and reliable healthcare, Bangladesh’s medical tourism sector is poised for growth. It offers life-saving treatments to those in need while contributing to the country’s economy. Patients considering medical tourism can confidently look to Bangladesh for comprehensive healthcare services at accessible prices.