Fiji’s diving industry is seeing a remarkable upgrade with the recent inauguration of a state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. Officially launched on December 31, 2024, by Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad, this facility is designed to enhance medical support for divers in emergencies, particularly those involving decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE), which can occur during scuba diving.

The economic significance of the diving sector in Fiji cannot be overstated. In 2011, the shark-diving industry alone was valued at approximately $42.2 million, making it a crucial part of the country’s tourism framework. Acknowledging this, PSH has partnered with the Republic of Fiji Navy to ensure that divers have access to essential emergency services, thereby boosting both safety and confidence for tourists participating in diving activities.

Hyperbaric medicine is critical for addressing diving-related injuries. DCS arises when divers ascend too quickly, resulting in nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream. Both the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommend administering HBOT ideally within the first six hours of symptom onset to optimize treatment outcomes. Dr. Vereniki Raiwalui, who oversees the new HBOT service, emphasized the importance of timely intervention in achieving positive results for affected divers.

Moreover, the launch of this hyperbaric chamber reflects a broader commitment to improving healthcare in Fiji, especially in the face of rising non-communicable diseases like diabetes. With alarming statistics indicating one amputation occurring every 12 hours due to diabetes-related complications, this advancement holds potential for aiding in chronic wound healing and may contribute to reducing these extreme health outcomes.

In summary, the opening of the hyperbaric chamber at PSH signifies a substantial advancement for both the diving community and the overall healthcare landscape in Fiji. This initiative not only promises enhanced safety for divers but positions Fiji as a burgeoning healthcare hub in the Pacific. The hope is that this will lead to improved health outcomes for all Fijians while supporting growth in tourism—a vital economic sector for the nation. This advancement represents a hopeful trajectory towards a healthier future for all citizens, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to enhancing health services and supporting divers’ experiences.