NILPHAMARI, Apr 10: Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury announced on Friday that the government is taking swift measures to begin the construction of the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital in Nilphamari as soon as possible.
Following an inspection of the proposed site in the Darwani area and a subsequent committee meeting, the Secretary informed journalists that a comprehensive inspection report would be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) by April 16.
The ambitious project, which carries a price tag of approximately Tk 2,500 crore, has already been approved by ECNEC. A significant portion of the funding will be provided as a gift from the Chinese government. The facility is designed to house 500 general beds and 500 specialized beds, aiming to transform the northern region's healthcare landscape.
"Nilphamari has the potential for an international airport, along with improving rail and highway connectivity. We want to bring the benefits of this infrastructure to the people," the Health Secretary said during a press briefing at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room.
"This location is strategically positioned to serve the SAARC region, making it a potential medical hub and a Center of Excellence."
Four technical bodies-the Public Works Department (PWD), Health Engineering Department (HED), Department of Architecture, and NAPD-are currently collaborating to finalize a thematic design for the facility.
The high-level delegation, which included Director General of Health Services Professor Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas and Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Shahidul Islam, also visited the Nilphamari General Hospital to discuss immediate service improvements.
Regarding the permanent campus for Nilphamari Medical College, the Secretary hinted that it might be established near the new China-funded hospital to allow students access to advanced medical technology. The Development Project Proforma (DPP) for the medical college is currently under process.
