Fiji’s diving industry is experiencing a significant boost with the recent launch of a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi. This innovative facility, which officially opened on December 31, 2024, is expected to enhance the safety and medical support available for divers, particularly those engaging in shark diving, a sector that alone contributed $42.2 million to Fiji’s economy in 2011.

Recognizing the critical role of diving in tourism, PSH has partnered with the Republic of Fiji Navy to provide facilities that cater to diving-related emergencies, including decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is essential in these cases, and Dr. Vereniki Raiwalui will oversee the new HBOT service.

Hyperbaric medicine plays a crucial role in treating injuries associated with diving. Decompression sickness arises when divers ascend too rapidly, resulting in nitrogen bubbles forming in the body. The effectiveness of HBOT has been supported by recommendations from the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN), who advise that treatment should begin within the first six hours of symptom onset.

The addition of this advanced chamber not only improves the treatment options available for divers but also aims to bolster confidence among tourists. With greater medical support in Nadi, divers can engage in their activities knowing that immediate and effective care is accessible. This advancement is expected to foster both local and regional economic growth through an enhanced tourism experience.

In light of Fiji’s ongoing health challenges, particularly related to non-communicable diseases like diabetes, the launch also underscores the importance of addressing these health issues in tandem with advancements in emergency medical services. The hyperbaric chamber will serve to increase overall safety while promoting continued growth in Fiji’s tourism sector.

In summary, the new hyperbaric chamber at PSH marks a pivotal development for both the diving community and healthcare in Fiji, promising improved safety measures for divers and a step forward in enhancing health service availability across the nation. The hope is that this will lead to better health outcomes, supporting a healthier future for all Fijians.