The Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) is poised to help fulfill the Fijian government’s vision of transforming the country into a prominent health tourism destination, according to its founder and managing director, Parvish Kumar. With state-of-the-art medical technology and a team of skilled specialists, PSH is dedicated to serving this particular tourism sector.
Mr. Kumar stated that the facility is committed to aligning with government initiatives aimed at enhancing health tourism. This commitment is illustrated by the recent establishment of a cardiology department and the successful completion of their first open-heart surgery. The hospital, which is equipped with 100 beds and advanced medical tools, celebrated this milestone achievement with the successful operation performed on 61-year-old Kusum Lata from Lautoka.
The recent triple graft procedure, known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), was executed seamlessly by a team of expert cardio-thoracic specialists. Following the procedure, Ms. Lata was discharged just days later, demonstrating significant recovery progress.
Located near the Nadi International Airport, PSH highlights the importance of improving Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure to benefit both local residents and medical tourists. Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasized the potential of medical tourism, where international patients seek care in Fiji for reasons including affordability and quality of service. He noted that in 2022, only 2% of visitors to Fiji participated in health-related activities, signaling room for growth in this sector.
To enhance this growth, the Fijian government is encouraging private investments in healthcare by offering investment incentives, including allowances for hospital construction and renovations, along with duty-free entry for specific medical equipment.
Brent Hill, the CEO of Tourism Fiji, expressed the significance of showcasing Fiji’s medical capabilities to international patients, emphasizing that the island offers an exceptional environment for pre- and post-surgery recovery. The facilities and natural beautify enhance the overall experience for patients traveling for medical care.
Dr. Ram Raju, former president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners and current president of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hailed the hospital’s achievement as a significant step forward, not just for Nadi, but for Fiji as a whole. He sees this progress as a promising development, paving the way for more advanced medical procedures and the promotion of Fiji as a premier health tourism destination.
In summary, the successful launch of services at PSH, especially in complex procedures like open-heart surgeries, marks a transformative era for Fiji’s healthcare landscape. This endeavor not only enhances the local medical infrastructure but also positions Fiji as a competitive contender in the global health tourism arena. As the country takes strides in this direction, there’s an optimistic outlook for increased medical tourism and improved healthcare access for both locals and visitors alike.
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