A mother of three from Lautoka, known as Kusum Lata, made history on Monday by becoming the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at Fiji’s only privately owned hospital, Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH). The 56-year-old expressed immense gratitude towards the surgical team, including PSH founder and CEO Parvish Kumar, as well as the doctors and nursing staff who assisted in her operation.
Mrs. Lata encountered a challenging situation earlier this year when she suffered a heart attack, leaving her in despair over the daunting financial burden of heart surgery in India, where treatment costs would have exceeded $23,000 USD including travel expenses. Fortunately, she learned about the newly launched heart operation services at PSH and decided to seek treatment locally.
“The moment I heard that PSH was offering heart surgeries, I came for a check-up and was thrilled to be the first patient to receive this service here,” Mrs. Lata shared. “I never imagined I could have such surgery done in Fiji. My family is overjoyed to see me recovering and to be by my side, something that wouldn’t have been possible if I had gone abroad.”
Mrs. Lata encourages fellow Fijians facing similar health issues to consider local options, highlighting the affordability of PSH’s services. She stated, “I paid less than a quarter of what I would have spent in India.”
Since her operation, she reports feeling significantly better and has overcome the challenges posed by her previous minor heart attacks. Her experience marks a significant milestone in the healthcare landscape of Fiji, promoting the potential for accessible and affordable medical care within the country.
This hopeful narrative not only reflects the advancements in local healthcare but also offers reassurance to those who fear high medical costs, suggesting a positive shift towards strengthening health services domestically.
Summary: Kusum Lata, a 56-year-old mother, becomes the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at a local private hospital, Pacific Specialist Healthcare, expressing gratitude for affordable care compared to the high costs of treatment abroad. She shares her encouraging message for others to consider local options for their health needs.
Leave a comment