Back from China, Aug. 21 -- Leading hospitals in Kunming, the capital of China's Yunnan province, are increasingly attracting Bangladeshi patients seeking advanced but affordable medical treatment for critical diseases, with authorities pledging faster visas, smoother procedures and language support to ease medical tourism.

Chinese officials said urgent visas can be issued within a day under a 'green channel', with many requirements already eased.

They said their hospitals provide high-quality treatment at about one-fourth the cost of Thailand, cheaper than Malaysia, and only slightly higher than top Indian hospitals.

Bangladesh authorities said China offered support while the interim government explored alternatives beyond India, Thai...