The Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) aims to position Fiji as a prominent health tourism destination, as highlighted by its founder and managing director, Parvish Kumar. The hospital is equipped with modern medical technology and a skilled team to meet the demands of both local patients and medical tourists. Mr. Kumar emphasized the facility’s commitment to offer top-tier healthcare services at competitive rates, aligning with the Fijian government’s vision for health tourism development.
A significant milestone was achieved with the establishment of a new cardiology department and the successful completion of the first open-heart surgery in Nadi, performed on a 61-year-old woman named Kusum Lata. The procedure, a triple coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), was executed without complications, allowing the patient to be discharged shortly after showing promising recovery signs.
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka explained the government’s efforts to invest in health infrastructure to support both local and international patients, citing the growing trend of medical tourism driven by cost, treatment availability, and quality healthcare. He noted that only about two percent of visitors engaged in health and medical activities in Fiji last year, indicating significant room for growth in this sector.
Incentives are being offered to encourage private investment in healthcare, including tax breaks and duty-free entry for specific medical equipment. Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, underscored the importance of showcasing Fiji’s healthcare capabilities to potential patients worldwide, promoting the notion that recovery can take place in the country’s stunning natural settings.
Dr. Ram Raju, former president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners, viewed the successful surgery as a pivotal moment for Nadi and Fiji as a whole. He sees great potential for growth in complex medical procedures and the promotion of health tourism, pointing to a positive trajectory for the industry.
This evolving healthcare landscape not only benefits incoming patients but also strengthens Fiji’s healthcare system and overall economy, ensuring a brighter future for health tourism in the region.
In summary, the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital is poised to pioneer health tourism in Fiji, marking a promising beginning with its first open-heart surgery. With government support and a vision for growth, Fiji is set to enhance its reputation as a favorable location for medical treatments.
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