Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital in Nadi has officially launched its Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber, marking a significant milestone in the treatment landscape for chronic wounds, burns, decompression sickness, and diabetic foot ulcers. The ceremony was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Biman Prasad, who underscored the importance of this innovative service in addressing critical health challenges in Fiji.

During the inauguration, Prasad highlighted the pressing issue of non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, which has become the leading cause of premature death in Fiji. He pointed out the alarming statistic that there is one diabetes-related amputation every 12 hours in the country, emphasizing the urgent need for advancements in healthcare interventions. “The introduction of HBOT is a major step forward in improving health outcomes and reducing the need for amputations,” he stated.

The HBOT chamber will be available 24/7, enabling patients to experience accelerated recovery and potentially reducing the incidence of amputations driven by diabetes-related complications. This innovative service is expected not only to benefit local patients but also to attract individuals from surrounding Pacific Island countries, positioning Fiji as a leader in regional healthcare.

Prasad also expressed optimism that this initiative would pave the way for fruitful partnerships with regional healthcare providers, enhancing medical tourism and benefiting both local and foreign patients. He noted that the introduction of HBOT reflects the Fijian government’s commitment to bolstering its healthcare infrastructure and enhancing the quality of medical services available.

Additionally, the event featured the launch of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) Loyalty Program, aimed at providing healthcare discounts for active cane growers in Fiji, showcasing a commitment to improving access to healthcare for rural communities.

This advancement in healthcare services is a hopeful development, representing steps towards addressing serious health issues in Fiji and fostering a healthier future for its citizens. By investing in state-of-the-art treatments like HBOT, Fiji aims to elevate its healthcare standards and improve overall public health outcomes.