Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) is looking to seize the opportunities presented by the anticipated decline in general tourist arrivals by focusing on medical tourism, according to owner Parvish Kumar. He emphasizes that now is the perfect time for stakeholders in Fiji’s tourism sector to think creatively regarding niche marketing, particularly in the booming field of health tourism.
Kumar points out that during tough economic times, such as the Great Depression, industries adapted by finding new avenues for growth. He believes the current downturn in visitor arrivals could similarly foster innovative strategies that elevate Fiji as a premier destination for medical tourists. With PSH boasting a team of 90 highly trained specialists and advanced medical technology, the hospital is well-positioned to handle this pivot in tourism.
He aligns PSH’s vision with that of the Fijian government, both striving to establish Fiji as a hub for medical tourism across the Pacific and beyond. Kumar calls for government support, urging the Fiji Government to provide incentives and tax waivers to make the medical tourism segment more appealing.
Despite the revised economic outlook for 2025, which projects a reduction in growth to 2.7% due to declining visitor numbers, medical tourism remains a potentially lucrative area, with favorable conditions to enhance Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure. Previous articles have highlighted PSH’s successful addition of new departments like cardiology, marked recently by their first open-heart surgery milestone, showcasing the hospital’s capabilities and readiness to attract international patients seeking quality medical care.
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka has reiterated the importance of improving Fiji’s health infrastructure to ensure it meets the demands of both local citizens and international medical travelers. The government is taking steps to encourage private investment in healthcare, offering exemptions and incentives for the building and upgrading of medical facilities, thereby enhancing this burgeoning sector.
This proactive approach towards marketing medical tourism not only presents a promising future for Fiji’s healthcare industry but also aligns with the government’s objectives, potentially transforming Fiji into a leading medical tourism destination. This shift could bolster the local economy while improving access to healthcare for both residents and visitors.
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