Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) recently introduced Pill Cams, also known as Capsule Endoscopy, prompting the hospital to place additional orders to ensure a continuous supply of this high-demand service. Parvish Kumar, PSH’s director and CEO, noted that the service has become increasingly popular since its launch.
“We have already placed orders for more, which we expect to receive within a week, to prevent any service interruptions,” Kumar stated. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to maintaining at least three months’ worth of stock to avoid running out of supplies.
Kumar mentioned that the hospital is conscious of supply chain logistics and is actively exploring solutions to minimize disruptions. He also indicated that while they anticipated the new diagnostic technology would be welcomed, the actual demand has exceeded expectations. Initial estimations suggested a 4 to 5 percent preference over traditional methods, based on literature from neighboring countries.
Kumar highlighted the importance of this technology in detecting bowel cancer, suggesting that individuals over the age of 65 should undergo the procedure every two years. He expressed surprise at the number of patients seeking the capsule endoscopy procedure.
The capsule endoscopy system consists of a small ingestible capsule equipped with a camera that allows doctors to visualize the entire small intestine. The procedure involves swallowing a capsule the size of a large vitamin, which captures images as it moves naturally through the digestive tract.
“This non-invasive method enables our doctors to examine the small bowel, which cannot be accessed via other endoscopy techniques,” Kumar explained.
In addition, PSH Nadi has reported an increase in patients, both locals and tourists, seeking medical evaluations and treatments. Some tourists have required stabilization before being evacuated back to their countries due to health issues.
The rise in patient numbers has been attributed to PSH’s 24-hour operations, which ensure availability of expert medical practitioners. Kumar revealed plans to introduce more advanced technologies to enhance healthcare in Fiji.
“My vision is to provide world-class medical procedures and treatments not only for Fiji but also for the Pacific Islands,” he said. PSH is preparing to offer open-heart surgery and other intensive procedures. Kumar aims to make essential medical services more affordable for local and regional patients, given his understanding of the community’s healthcare landscape.
He is continuously evaluating ways to improve healthcare financing models and promote universal health coverage.