Fiji’s diving industry is poised for significant growth following the 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 will enhance safety and medical support for divers, particularly those involved in the lucrative shark-diving sector, which contributed $42.2 million to the Fijian economy in 2011.

Recognizing the critical role of diving in Fiji’s tourism landscape, PSH has partnered with the Republic of Fiji Navy to provide vital resources catering to diving-related medical emergencies, such as decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). Dr. Vereniki Raiwalui, a consultant anesthesiologist at PSH, will oversee the new HBOT service, which is essential for addressing these severe conditions.

Hyperbaric medicine has proven invaluable in treating injuries associated with diving, particularly DCS. This condition occurs when divers ascend rapidly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in their bodies. The SPUMS (South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society) emphasizes the importance of administering HBOT within the first six hours of symptom onset for the best outcomes. Similarly, the Divers Alert Network (DAN) supports early referral to hyperbaric facilities, advocating personalized care plans for affected divers.

In addition to improving support for divers, this launch reflects a broader commitment to addressing health challenges in Fiji. The HBOT chamber aims not only to enhance local healthcare but also to position Fiji as a hub for medical tourism in the region.

As non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, continue to impact the nation’s health statistics—indicating a concerning rate of one amputation every 12 hours—the introduction of the HBOT service brings hopeful potential for decreasing such rates while promoting overall health and wellness among Fijians.

In summary, the installation of the hyperbaric chamber not only represents a pivotal advancement for both the diving community and healthcare in Fiji but also offers a ray of hope for improved health outcomes. The facility stands to enhance divers’ confidence while simultaneously contributing to the ongoing efforts to bolster Fiji’s vital tourism sector, ultimately fostering a healthier future for all citizens.