Lautoka cane farmer Suresh Chand has expressed immense gratitude and relief after undergoing open-heart surgery at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) facility in Nadi. The 73-year-old shared his experience, stating he was initially overwhelmed by the thought of needing surgery, particularly due to financial concerns.

Mr. Chand, who has faced chest pains for years, was advised that he required a bypass surgery after undergoing an angiogram at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. Initially, he was uncertain about pursuing this surgery due to costs and the potential need to go abroad for treatment. However, after receiving a referral to PSH, he made the decision that has now filled him with hope for the future.

“I never dreamt I could have this surgery here at this beautiful hospital,” he said, reflecting on his positive experience. “The care I received has been outstanding.” His son, Samil Sanjesh Chand, who came from abroad to support his father, echoed these sentiments about the hospital’s facilities, reaffirming their satisfaction with the decision.

The successful surgery comes on the heels of PSH recently conducting its first open-heart surgery for another patient, Kusum Lata, who was also relieved to undergo a procedure that would have otherwise cost her family significantly more abroad. Both patients have noted the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare within Fiji, which is a critical development for the nation’s medical infrastructure.

Founder and director of PSH, Parvish Kumar, has emphasized the importance of expanding local healthcare services, allowing residents like Mr. Chand and Mrs. Lata to receive timely care without the burdensome costs associated with international treatment. This evolution in healthcare not only benefits local patients but also sets the stage for Fiji to emerge as a health tourism destination, attracting international patients looking for medical care combined with a vacation experience.

In summary, the positive outcomes from Mr. Chand’s surgery and others highlight the advancements in Fiji’s healthcare sector, fostering hope that quality medical attention can be both accessible and affordable within the nation, strengthening the community’s wellbeing and invigorating the local economy through health tourism prospects.