NILPHAMARI, Nov 5: The long-discussed proposal to establish a 1,000-bed hospital funded by the Chinese government is finally moving forward in the district. The facility will be constructed on around 25.5 acres of land at the Darowani Textile Ground area in Charaikhola Union under Sadar Upazila of the district.
The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has already issued a notice to prepare the master plan and cost estimates for the necessary infrastructure, according to officials.
A notice signed by Fatima Tuz Johra Thakur, Deputy Secretary of the Health Services Division, was issued on October 30 and forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works as a matter of urgency.
Local residents and political leaders welcomed the move, saying the hospital will significantly strengthen healthcare services in the district and reduce dependence on medical treatment outside the region.
AHM Saifullah Rubel, member secretary of the District BNP unit and the party's nominated candidate for the Nilphamari-2 constituency, said the project will improve access to medical treatment and help the local economy grow. "People will no longer need to travel abroad for specialised treatment," he added.
Echoing the sentiment, Advocate Al Faruq Abdul Latif, assistant secretary of the district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami and the party's nominated candidate for the same constituency, said the project marks a "transformational development" for Nilphamari.
Former president of Nilphamari Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sohel Parvez said the proposed site is suitable in terms of land availability and communication facilities. "The project will not only upgrade healthcare services but also enhance business prospects in the district," he said.
Public Works Department Executive Engineer Md Sakiuzzaman confirmed receiving the ministry's letter. "We have already begun the digital land survey as part of the preparatory work," he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman said the government has more than 60 acres of land in the proposed area, and 25 acres have already been allocated for the hospital. "The ministry has initiated the design and expenditure process. We are hopeful that the hospital will be established here," he added.
The project had previously sparked debates and demands in several northern districts, including Rangpur, regarding the selection of the site.
