The Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) is poised to play a significant role in Fiji’s ambition to become a prominent health tourism destination, according to its founder and managing director, Parvish Kumar. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and a team of specialized staff to support this unique segment of the tourism industry.
Kumar emphasized that the hospital is committed to realizing the Fiji government’s vision for health tourism and is prepared to meet the expectations of stakeholders by providing world-class medical services at competitive prices. He noted the establishment of a new cardiology department at PSH, which recently completed its first successful open-heart surgery, further aligning the hospital’s aims with governmental objectives for promoting medical tourism.
The 100-bed hospital recently achieved a milestone by performing a triple coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) on 61-year-old Kusum Lata from Lautoka, conducted by a skilled team of cardiac specialists without complications. Lata was discharged just a few days later, demonstrating the hospital’s advanced capabilities.
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka highlighted the importance of enhancing Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure to accommodate both local patients and medical tourists. He pointed out that medical tourism—where individuals travel abroad for medical care—is often motivated by factors like cost, availability of treatments, and care quality. Gavoka cited India as a successful model for medical tourism that Fiji hopes to emulate.
Though only about two percent of visitors to Fiji were engaged in health and medical activities in 2022, the government is working to encourage private sector investments in healthcare through investment incentives, allowing for the construction and upgrade of medical facilities.
Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, expressed optimism about raising awareness globally regarding Fiji’s healthcare capabilities, noting the country’s appeal as an attractive location for recovery.
Dr. Ram Raju, former president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners and current president of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked that the successful surgery represents a pivotal moment not only for Nadi but for Fiji’s healthcare landscape. He sees significant growth potential in the health tourism sector.
In summary, the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital stands ready to contribute to the growth of health tourism in Fiji, targeting both local residents and international patients while providing quality medical services within a beautiful setting, reinforcing Fiji’s image as a viable destination for health-related travel. This development has great potential for boosting the economy and enhancing healthcare options available on the island.
Leave a comment