China Eastern Airlines is set to introduce direct flights between Chittagong and Kunming, aiming to facilitate medical travel for Bangladeshis seeking treatment in southern China, officials said on Saturday.

China has designated four hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, but high airfares have been a major barrier to access.

Officials believe the planned flights will reduce travel costs and time, making it easier for more Bangladeshis to seek medical care in China.

Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh ambassador to China, said the authorities in Kunming have dedicated hospital floors for Bangladesh people.

‘The treatment fees are modest. A patient from Bangladesh pays the same fees as paid by local Chinese people,’ Ambassador said.

To expedite travel to Kunming, the civil aviation authorities in Dhaka have also moved to cut the air ticket cost for flights between Dhaka and Kunming.

Chinese authorities have said they would open up more healthcare facilities in the country for the Bangladeshi people.

In April, Bangladesh would also send a big team of journalists to Kunming to see for themselves the treatment facilities there.

Last month dozens of Bangladeshis travelled to Kunming for the first time for treatment. They spoke highly of the standard of hospitals there. But several have complained of travel costs.