Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) in Nadi is eager to welcome more visitors from Australia following Fiji Airways’ announcement to initiate direct flights between Cairns and Nadi starting from April 10, 2025.
Parvish Kumar, the founder and chief executive of PSH, highlighted that the modern 100-bed facility is ideally located just a short distance from Nadi International Airport. He mentioned that the hospital aligns with the Fijian government’s vision to develop the country into a leading destination for medical tourism.
Kumar expressed optimism about the new flights, which will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach Fiji. This new service will provide Australians with immediate access to high-quality medical care upon their arrival in Nadi.
He noted that Australian visitors do not require a visa for stays under four months, adding to the appeal of medical tourism in Fiji. Kumar pointed out that medical procedures at PSH could be significantly more affordable compared to costs in Australia. For instance, heart bypass surgery, which can cost around $100,000 in Australia, is available at PSH for a fraction of that price.
Kumar emphasized the urgency of addressing cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is responsible for the deaths of one in four Australians. In 2021 alone, CVD was the underlying cause of 42,700 deaths, equating to 25% of total fatalities in Australia. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that an Australian dies from CVD every 12 minutes, amounting to 118 deaths daily.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker praised the new service, mentioning it opens up the South Pacific as a desirable destination for both tourists and family visits. He also noted that Fiji Airways’ full membership in Oneworld will enhance connectivity for travelers across North America.
This new initiative not only enhances medical tourism and healthcare access for Australians but also strengthens ties between Fiji and Australia, providing greater opportunities for health and wellness tourism. With the potential for significant cost savings and immediate access to world-class healthcare facilities, this partnership promises to be beneficial for both sectors.
Overall, the future looks promising for Fiji’s medical tourism industry as it positions itself as a vital healthcare hub in the South Pacific.
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