To ensure advanced healthcare for millions in North Bengal, a massive and state-of-the-art 'Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital' is going to be constructed in Nilphamari. To advance the field-level activities of this mega project, worth BDT 2,292 crore, a high-level technical delegation from China began a preliminary feasibility study on Saturday (May 9) at the Darwani Textile area of Nilphamari. The 6-member technical team, led by delegation chief Dong Li, arrived at Darwani at 11:30 AM on Saturday. They conducted the preliminary survey to verify the geographical location, soil quality, and technical feasibility of the 25 acres of land designated for the project. Under the direct supervision of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the friendly state of China is providing BDT 2,219 crore as a grant for this project. This is considered one of the largest investments in health infrastructure development in this region to date.
Following the inspection, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health, told journalists that a magnificent and modern 10-story main hospital building will be constructed on this 25-acre site. According to the project design, it will not only be a healthcare center but will also include modern dormitories, separate residential buildings for doctors, nurses, and health workers, a Director’s bungalow, and all necessary auxiliary infrastructure. Additionally, the hospital will be equipped with world-class medical equipment. She further noted that out of the 1,000 beds in the hospital, 500 will be allocated for general treatment, while the remaining 500 beds will be dedicated entirely to specialized services. Highlighting the significance of the project, Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman said that this hospital would become the heart of healthcare in North Bengal. Alongside general treatment, advanced specialized medical services in departments such as Nephrology (Kidney), Cardiology (Heart), Oncology (Cancer), and Neurology (Nerve) will be ensured here. Furthermore, a modern emergency department, ICU (Intensive Care Unit), CCU, HDU, and advanced diagnostic facilities will be established along with state-of-the-art operation theaters. As a result, people in this region will no longer need to travel to the capital city, Dhaka, or abroad for the treatment of complex and chronic diseases.
Among others present during the inspection were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Saidul Islam and Nilphamari District Civil Surgeon Dr. Abdur Razzak, along with high-ranking officials from the administration and health department. Stakeholders expect that once the project is completed, it will bring a revolutionary change to the healthcare services of Nilphamari and its neighboring districts.
