Amid strained Bangladesh-India relations following a regime change in Dhaka, doctors in Kolkata remain committed to treating Bangladeshi patients, who make up a significant portion of their clientele, according to a recent report by The Times of India.
Thousands of Bangladeshis travel to Kolkata each year for advanced medical care, including kidney transplants, cardiac surgeries, and fertility treatments.
However, following the July mass upsurge that toppled the India-supported Awami League government, the Indian embassy in Dhaka has been reportedly denying a significant number of visa applications.
This has forced many Bangladeshi patients to explore alternatives in home and other destinations such as Thailand for their medical needs.
Despite these challenges, Kolkata hospitals remain committed to Bangladeshi patients, according to the TOI report.
Sudipta Mitra, CEO of Peerless Hospital, said, “In no way will we discriminate against patients from Bangladesh. They are all equal.”
Similarly, Fortis Hospital surgeon K.M. Mandana called Kolkata a “second home” for Bangladeshi patients, underscoring the deep ties between the city’s doctors and their cross-border clientele.
According to the TOI report, many hospitals are also arranging online consultations to support patients facing travel difficulties.
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