China to Gift 1,000-Bed Hospital to Rangpur

China will fund the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur as a gift to Bangladesh, announced Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Sunday. The move marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, she also provided updates on victims of the recent mass uprising. According to official figures, 864 people have been confirmed dead and over 14,000 injured, with more cases still under verification.

“We encountered horrifying scenes in hospitals — people missing eyes, limbs, and other body parts,” Nurjahan Begum said. “Verification has been difficult as many patients used false names or incorrect phone numbers.”

She outlined the government’s support for victims, noting that families of the deceased will receive Tk 30 lakh each, while the injured will get health cards and lifetime free treatment. The July Smriti Foundation, established by the Chief Adviser, is already assisting affected families.

For complex cases, the government has set up expert committees to recommend treatment abroad when necessary. "Initially, the absence of a formal health policy created hurdles, but we prioritised saving lives," she added. So far, four patients have been sent overseas for advanced care.