Pvt sector pact to organise medical tourism flow

Amid mounting pressure on the country's healthcare system, a new cross-border partnership aims to simplify treatment abroad for Bangladeshi patients, offering structured support for medical travel to India.

With the healthcare system struggling to cope with a growing patient load, local firms are increasingly turning to organised medical tourism to meet demand for specialised care. In a significant move, Bangladesh's Rhythm Group and India's Manipal Hospitals on Thursday signed an agreement to streamline access to healthcare services in India.

The deal was signed at a ceremony in the capital, attended by Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma as chief guest. Rhythm Group Managing Director Shohag Hossain and Manipal Health Enterprises Group Consultant Jithu Jose signed on behalf of their organisations, with Deputy Managing Director Abhir Hossain present.

"This reflects a deepening people-centric partnership and will strengthen healthcare connectivity," said Pranay Verma.

Under the agreement, Bangladeshi patients will receive end-to-end support - including consultations, hospital selection and travel arrangements - addressing long-standing difficulties in accessing treatment abroad.

"Healthcare is a shared responsibility that transcends borders," said Manipal's Karthik Rajagopal, adding that patients would receive "hassle-free access to world-class care."

For Rhythm Group, the focus is on easing the process. "This will ensure reliable guidance and smoother travel," said Abhir Hossain, noting it would help organise the growing medical tourism sector.

The partnership combines Rhythm Group's logistics expertise with Manipal Hospitals' large clinical network. Services will include second opinions, medical report reviews and tailored treatment guidance, alongside coordinated travel support and accommodation.

Both sides also plan to launch a digital consultation platform, allowing patients to speak to specialists remotely before travelling. "This will help patients make informed decisions," officials said.

Looking ahead, the two organisations aim to establish a multidisciplinary hospital in Bangladesh through a joint venture to strengthen local healthcare capacity.