Fiji’s medical tourism sector is celebrating a groundbreaking achievement with the successful completion of its first open-heart surgery on an international patient at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals in Nadi. The surgery, which involved a triple bypass procedure, was performed on Gary Morrison, a 57-year-old tourism executive from Port Vila, Vanuatu, by renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Sanjeev Khulbey and his expert team.
The operation occurred during a series of surgeries from February 23 to February 28, 2023. Morrison pursued treatment in Fiji after five years of struggling with heart complications, as his home country lacked such surgical options. Grateful for the exceptional care he received, Morrison remarked that the services at PSH were “brilliant, fantastic, and among the best” he could have expected. He plans to remain in Fiji for two weeks for postoperative follow-ups before returning to Vanuatu.
Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, heralded the successful operation as a pivotal moment for Fiji’s medical tourism sector, noting that it enhances the nation’s standing as a premier destination for health services. The establishment of a new multimillion-dollar cardiology department and catheterization lab at PSH, unveiled last November, significantly bolsters the facility’s capacity for complex surgeries. Kumar’s sentiments align with the Fiji Government’s vision to foster the growth of the health tourism sector.
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasized the need for improvements in Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure to cater to both local residents and international patients. He pointed out that the rising trend of medical tourism is often driven by the demand for affordable, high-quality medical care, paralleling successful health tourism models in countries like India. Currently, only about two percent of visitors to Fiji engage in health and medical activities, representing a considerable opportunity for growth in this sector.
Morrison’s successful surgery sets an encouraging example for others in Vanuatu and neighboring regions to consider seeking medical procedures in Fiji. With convenient direct flights from Fiji Airways connecting Nadi to Port Vila, medical travelers may find it more accessible than ever to access specialized healthcare.
This significant milestone not only elevates Fiji’s international healthcare reputation but also marks a crucial step towards enhancing the economy and healthcare sector through the burgeoning medical tourism industry. The fusion of high-quality medical services with the stunning natural beauty of Fiji presents an alluring option for patients seeking recovery in a picturesque environment, fostering optimism for a thriving future in health tourism.
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