Fiji’s diving industry is poised for substantial growth following 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 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Prof. Biman Prasad, this innovative facility is set to significantly enhance medical support for divers, specifically addressing emergencies related to decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE).

The economic importance of the diving sector in Fiji cannot be overstated; the shark-diving industry alone was valued at approximately $42.2 million in 2011. Understanding this economic impact, PSH has partnered with the Republic of Fiji Navy to ensure divers have access to essential emergency services, thereby improving safety and boosting the confidence of tourists engaged in diving activities.

Hyperbaric medicine is critical for managing diving-related injuries. DCS occurs when divers ascend too rapidly, resulting in the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body. Both the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommend that HBOT should be administered within the first six hours of symptom onset for optimal recovery outcomes. Dr. Vereniki Raiwalui, a consultant anesthesiologist at PSH, will oversee the new HBOT service, emphasizing that timely intervention is vital for achieving successful recovery for affected divers.

Moreover, the launch of the hyperbaric chamber aligns with Fiji’s commitment to addressing broader health issues, particularly the rising rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. With alarming statistics showing one amputation occurring every 12 hours due to diabetes-related complications, the new HBOT facility stands to improve results in wound healing and potentially reduce the frequency of such extreme health outcomes.

In summary, the introduction of the hyperbaric chamber at PSH marks a pivotal advancement for both diving safety and healthcare in Fiji. This initiative promises to enhance the safety and medical support available for divers while positioning Fiji as a burgeoning healthcare hub in the Pacific. Ultimately, it reflects a hopeful trajectory towards improved health outcomes for all Fijians and supports the economic growth driven by tourism, fostering a healthier future for the community.