Bangladesh-India Tensions Leave Thousands Stranded Without Vital Medical Care

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Khadiza Khatun’s life turned upside down when her husband, 37-year-old Mohammad Nuri Alam, was diagnosed with a critical liver condition requiring an urgent transplant.  The procedure, unavailable in Bangladesh, led the couple to seek treatment at India’s renowned Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad. Yet, months after its initial efforts, its plans remain stalled—not by medical challenges but by an escalating diplomatic crisis. 

In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s removal as Bangladesh’s prime minister in August 2024, India significantly scaled back its visa services for Bangladeshi citizens. As a result, thousands of patients dependent on India’s affordable healthcare system are caught in a desperate limbo. 

“We’ve missed two hospital appointments already,” Khadiza said, her voice trembling with uncertainty. “January 10 is our next chance, but we’re still waiting for visas.” 

A Decline in Ties 

Relations between India and Bangladesh soured dramatically after Sheikh Hasina, a long-standing ally of New Delhi, fled to India following student-led protests against her government. India’s decision to shelter Hasina has been met with resistance by Bangladesh’s interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who has formally requested her extradition. 

This diplomatic rift has spilled into broader areas of cooperation, with visa services taking a significant hit. Indian visa centers in Bangladesh, which once processed over 7,000 applications daily, now manage just 500 emergency cases—primarily for medical and student visas. Even this limited service has been marred by delays and confusion, leaving applicants like Khadiza with little hope. 

Patients in Peril 

For many Bangladeshis, India represents the most viable option for quality healthcare at a reasonable cost. Treatments that would cost tens of thousands of dollars in countries like Thailand or Malaysia are available in India for a fraction of the price. However,  recent visa restrictions have created an impossible situation for countless families. 

“My wife and I delayed our travel because of unrest, but now our visas have expired,” said Shariful Islam, a lung disease patient from Joypurhat, who has been traveling to India for treatment for years. 

Meanwhile, local visa agents, such as Ridowan Hossain in Joypurhat, report complete stagnation in processing applications. “I used to handle over 300 Indian visas annually,” Hossain said. “Now, I haven’t processed a single one since July.” 

Economic and Humanitarian Fallout 

restrictions are not only affecting Bangladeshi patients but also India’s booming medical tourism industry. Before August 2024, Bangladesh accounted for 60% of two million foreign patients treated in India annually. Since the diplomatic fallout, hospitals in cities like Kolkata have reported up to an 80% drop in Bangladeshi patients. 

“Our hospital is seeing fewer patients from Bangladesh,” said Dr. Amitabha Chattopadhyay, a pediatric cardiologist at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Kolkata. “For those requiring chronic care, this is a dire situation.” 

Alternative Options, Steep Costs 

Some patients have turned to alternative destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkiye. However,  costs are prohibitive for most. A liver transplant in India might cost $1,000-$2,000, while the same procedure in Thailand ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, excluding travel and accommodation expenses. 

This disparity leaves patients like Khadiza’s husband in a precarious position—unable to afford alternatives yet unable to access India’s healthcare system. 

A Call for Diplomacy 

Experts warn that the situation is a lose-lose for both nations. Bangladeshis face a healthcare crisis, while India risks long-term damage to its medical tourism industry and broader regional ties. 

“Urgent steps are needed to restore visa services for humanitarian cases,” said a Bangladeshi diplomat on condition of anonymity. “Both nations have much to gain from cooperation and everything to lose from prolonged hostility.” 

As the political standoff continues, families like Khadiza’s are left navigating a maze of uncertainty, hoping that diplomacy will provide a path forward before it’s too late. 

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