In Bangladesh, cancer is becoming a crisis; its incidence is increasing, and access to specialized treatment is minimal. More than 167,000 new cancer cases have already been registered in 2022 alone, and this figure may more than double by 2050. Constrained by inadequate oncology infrastructure, the prohibitive cost of treatment, and a crippling shortage of trained personnel, a growing number of patients in Bangladesh are considering options beyond the boundaries of their home country, especially India, to get their cancer treatment on time and at an affordable cost.
India has today become a reliable location for Bangladeshi patients, and this is because India has provided a formidable mix of medical quality, geographical closeness, cultural understanding, and allied services to the patient. The Indian hospital and Bangladesh patient liaison have developed at an accelerated rate, supported by services like medical trip planner in Bangladesh, and it is transforming lives in the region.
The Healthcare Gap in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the condition is pathetic. There are only 22 operational radiotherapy machines out of the 300 that are required; there are only 465 hospital beds designated to offer chemotherapy services against a population of 1.5 million cancer patients. Palliative care is also limited – there are only six comprehensive programs covering the whole country, most of which are in Dhaka.
What is even more alarming is the shortage of trained cancer specialists. There are only 300 cancer specialists for a population of 169 million; this means the ratio of one doctor to one patient is 1:10,000, making it nearly impossible to treat patients on time. The majority of patients experience excessive delays and expenditures, and many of them are forced to take loans or sell their property and even skip treatments.
Why India Has Become the Preferred Choice
There are some important reasons behind the emerging trend of Bangladeshi patients coming to India for cancer treatment:
- Proximity and Cultural Comfort
India is near, not only in terms of geography but also in terms of culture. Cities such as Kolkata, which hosts close to 60% of Bangladeshi medical tourists, have a common language, food, and practices that can help one forget the tension of getting treated in a foreign country. Similar Bengali cultures, frequent cross-border transportation, and family connections are some reasons why India does not feel as foreign as Western options.
- Advanced Medical Expertise at Lower Cost
Indian oncology hospitals have internationally qualified care at a reduced rate. In India, cancer treatments are 60-80% cheaper than in Bangladesh. To give an idea, the price of surgery may vary between 3,000 and 11,000, and most hospitals have package deals that cover not only accommodation and post-operative care but also visa assistance.
Other hospitals such as Apollo, HCG, Fortis, Max Healthcare, MIOT, and Artemis are well equipped with the latest technology, proton therapy, and robotic surgery, as well as personalized medicine. Most of them are certified by such international organizations as the Joint Commission International (JCI) and provide high-quality treatment facilities.
- Streamlined Medical Travel
The Indian hospitals have constructed systems targeting Bangladeshi patients. Applying for an Indian medical visa from Bangladesh has now become easier, with simplified procedures, quick processing, and the option for multiple entries. Many hospitals also assist patients with medical visa India formalities, making the entire journey stress-free. Hospitals also tend to help with applications and guide the necessary processes of registration after the arrival of patients.
Language-related issues are resolved with the help of Bengali-speaking interpreters and patient navigators who move the families through all stages of the process – appointments, treatment plans, accommodation, and travel arrangements.
- Holistic and Emotional Support
Treatment is more than medicine. Psychological counselling is available in many Indian hospitals because those running them know the emotional burden of cancer. Trained therapists are available to the patients, as well as religious rooms and places of spiritual nourishment, not to mention the nutritional advice adapted to the Bangladeshi taste in food.
Trusted Hospitals Leading the Way
Apollo Hospitals is the pioneer in global cancer care. Apollo is associated with South Asia’s first Proton Therapy Centre and over 45 oncologists to handle high-complexity cases. It has even performed successful robotic surgeries on Bangladeshi patients.
HCG Cancer Centres is a chain of hospitals that runs throughout India, provides genetic testing, virtual consultations (Bangladesh), and personalised care. They boast of a big pool of more than 400 oncologists and an international patient population.
Fortis and Max Healthcare are among the healthcare facilities that are still expanding their oncology services, which use the latest developments in imaging and radiotherapy. They have facilities that provide specialised care, such as for breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
MIOT International and Artemis Hospital are unique in their patient-first approach and reasonable costs. MIOT is recognised as one of the most trustworthy hospitals in India, and Artemis offers full services at only $400.
A Healthcare Bridge of Hope
The fact that India has been helping Bangladeshi cancer patients is worthy of more than a good healthcare system – it is a regional cooperation model. The Indian hospitals have paved a smooth way to care by eliminating logistical, emotional, and medical barriers, leaving patients with few alternatives at home.
This cross-border trip means more than treatment to the Bangladeshi families; it gives them hope. By having the ability to receive quality care and having access to fine doctors and caring support staff, the patients no longer have to decide between being healthy and staying solvent.