The recent launch of Pill Cams, or Capsule Endoscopy, by Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) has led the hospital to place additional orders to ensure continuity of its services. PSH’s director and CEO, Parvish Kumar, noted that demand for the pill cam has surged since it was announced to the public.
“We have placed orders for more units, which we expect to receive within a week to prevent any service interruptions,” Kumar explained. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to maintaining a supply of at least three months of stock at all times to avoid shortages.
Kumar acknowledged the importance of supply chain management and the hospital is currently exploring strategies to minimize future disruptions. “We anticipated a preference for this new diagnostic technology for the digestive tract, but the actual demand has exceeded our expectations. We initially estimated an increase in usage by about 4 to 5 percent compared to traditional methods, based on trends observed in neighboring countries,” he stated.
He added that the use of this technology is crucial for detecting bowel cancer, particularly for individuals over the age of 65, who should undergo the procedure every two years. Kumar mentioned being taken aback by the number of patients seeking this procedure.
The capsule endoscopy system includes a small, ingestible capsule that allows doctors to examine the entire small intestine, which connects the stomach to the large intestine and plays a vital role in digestion. The non-invasive procedure involves swallowing a capsule similar in size to a large vitamin, containing a tiny camera that captures images as it passes through the digestive system.
Additionally, PSH in Nadi has experienced an increase in visitors, both tourists and locals, seeking various medical checks and treatments. “We have encountered tourists arriving in critical condition, requiring stabilization before being transported back to their home countries via Medivac arrangements,” Kumar noted. The hospital’s 24-hour operations and availability of expert medical practitioners have contributed to this influx.
Kumar also shared plans to introduce more advanced healthcare technologies to benefit the medical field in Fiji. “Our goal is to offer world-class health procedures and treatments for both Fiji and the Pacific Islands,” he said. He mentioned that PSH is prepared to begin open-heart surgeries and other intensive procedures.
Kumar aims to provide accessible medical services at lower costs for local and regional patients, expressing his commitment to improving healthcare financing and promoting universal health coverage.