A major international exhibition focused on medical tourism is set to take place in Dhaka, as CEMS-Global USA prepares to host the “9th International Health Tourism & Services Expo Bangladesh 2026” from May 7 to 9.
Positioned as a premier showcase of medical tourism products and services, the three-day event aims to connect global healthcare providers directly with Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment abroad.
Designed as the only specialised B2C exhibition of its kind in the capital, the expo will bring international medical tourism specialists into direct contact with a targeted audience. This direct engagement is expected to create meaningful opportunities for patients to explore treatment options, while allowing providers to better understand the needs of Bangladeshi clients. As a result, the event is structured to serve both sides of the growing healthcare travel market.
By concentrating activities within a focused three-day schedule, organisers aim to maximise interaction and efficiency. Consequently, participants can expect a highly organised environment that encourages both business development and informed decision-making.
The expo will feature a wide range of exhibitors representing the full spectrum of the medical tourism industry. These include specialised hospitals and clinics, medical evaluation and treatment centres, cosmetic surgery specialists, and global healthcare providers, alongside spa and health resorts, rehabilitation and weight loss centres, and dental and alternative medical providers.
In addition, the exhibition will bring together lifestyle providers, leading hospitals and private clinics, tourism promotion boards, hotels and resorts, and medical organisations, as well as health departments, insurance companies, and third-party administrators. Travel and tour operators, medical tourism promoters, media representatives, state government departments, embassies and trade offices, and Ayurvedic medical organisations will also be present, reflecting the sector’s broad and interconnected ecosystem.
CEMS-Global USA is set to present a comprehensive display of products and services from across the medical tourism sector, with participation from both local and global companies ensuring a diverse representation of the industry.
The event also seeks to highlight the rapid growth and technological advancements shaping the health tourism industry. Through a systematically organised exhibition layout, visitors will be able to explore innovations and services in a structured manner, while the interactive environment is expected to foster networking and the development of strategic partnerships among industry professionals.
Bangladesh has established itself as a significant exporter of such services, supported by skilled professionals, modern healthcare facilities, and cost-effective treatment packages. As demand continues to rise both domestically and internationally, the sector is gaining recognition as a promising area of economic growth.
However, the scale of outbound medical travel highlights both opportunity and challenge. Each year, nearly 700,000 Bangladeshis travel abroad for medical care, spending an estimated $3.5 billion. This substantial outflow underscores the need to strengthen domestic capabilities, while also indicating the potential to capture a greater share of this spending within the country.
This trend is further illustrated by Bangladesh’s position as a leading source of foreign patients in regional markets, accounting for around 17.57% of visitors in 2024. Such figures reinforce the importance of developing a competitive health tourism ecosystem at home.
In response, the sector is increasingly shaped by collaboration between public and private stakeholders, combining government support with private sector initiatives to drive growth.
