Fiji’s diving industry is set for substantial growth with the recent introduction of a state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. Officially inaugurated on December 31, 2024, by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, this advanced facility aims to bolster medical support for divers, particularly those engaged in the lucrative shark-diving sector, which contributed $42.2 million to Fiji’s economy in 2011.

Acknowledging the vital role of diving in tourism, PSH has partnered with the Republic of Fiji Navy to create necessary resources for managing diving-related emergencies such as decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). The chamber is entrusted to Dr. Vereniki Raiwalui, a consultant anesthesiologist, who emphasized that timely intervention through HBOT is crucial in addressing these severe diving-related conditions.

Decompression sickness arises when divers ascend too quickly, leading to nitrogen bubbles forming in the body. The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommend administering HBOT within the first six hours of symptom onset to maximize effectiveness. The new chamber not only enhances the treatment options available for divers but also fosters increased confidence among tourists, ensuring immediate medical assistance is accessible during diving activities.

Moreover, this launch also signifies a commitment to addressing broader health challenges in Fiji, particularly concerning non-communicable diseases like diabetes. The alarming statistic of one amputation occurring every 12 hours due to diabetes highlights the urgent need for effective healthcare solutions. The installation of this hyperbaric chamber is expected to improve recovery rates from chronic conditions and may significantly reduce the necessary amputations related to diabetes.

The hyperbaric chamber represents a pivotal development not just for diving safety but for healthcare in Fiji, paving the way for improved medical outcomes and demonstrating the country’s dedication to enhancing overall health standards. As a result, Fiji has the potential to establish itself as a burgeoning healthcare hub in the Pacific, positioning itself to attract medical tourists while continuing to enhance the experiences of local and visiting divers.

In summary, the introduction of the HBOT chamber is a hopeful step towards better healthcare management and economic growth through tourism in Fiji, reflecting the possibilities for improved health outcomes and a healthier future for all citizens.