Fiji’s diving industry is set to see significant advancements following the inauguration of a high-tech Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. Officially opened on December 31, 2024, by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, this innovative facility aims to enhance medical support for divers, particularly addressing critical emergencies like decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE).

The diving sector, especially the shark-diving industry, has made vital contributions to Fiji’s economy, valued at approximately $42.2 million in 2011. This deep-rooted economic impact underscores the necessity of robust medical support for divers, prompting PSH to partner with the Republic of Fiji Navy to ensure immediate and effective care is available.

Hyperbaric medicine plays a crucial role in managing diving-related injuries, particularly DCS, which occurs when divers ascend too rapidly, leading to nitrogen bubble formation in the body. Both the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommend that HBOT should ideally begin within the first six hours of symptom onset to optimize recovery potential. Dr. Vereniki Raiwalui, who will oversee the new HBOT facility, stressed the importance of timely intervention in improving treatment outcomes.

In addition to bolstering safety for divers, the hyperbaric chamber also highlights a broader commitment to address health challenges within Fiji, particularly non-communicable diseases like diabetes. With troubling statistics indicating that one amputation occurs every 12 hours due to diabetes-related complications, the introduction of this advanced facility is anticipated to aid in chronic wound healing, thereby potentially reducing such severe outcomes.

In summary, the establishment of the hyperbaric chamber at PSH marks a significant milestone for both the diving community and healthcare in Fiji. This initiative not only promises enhanced safety for local divers but also positions Fiji as an emerging healthcare hub in the Pacific. It reflects a hopeful trajectory towards improved health outcomes for all Fijians while supporting economic growth through the tourism sector. The integration of these advanced medical facilities could lead to a healthier future for the community and boost overall confidence in Fiji as a premier diving destination.