Fiji’s Healthcare Revamp: A Businessman’s Vision for a Mini Hospital

Azad Ali, a businessman behind Island Medical Centre Pte Ltd, has announced an ambitious project to build a mini private hospital in Suva, spurred by his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and a personal battle with cancer in late 2023. Following surgery for a cancerous growth, Ali is motivated to enhance healthcare services within the region.

Since its inception in mid-2022, the Island Medical Centre has initially focused on eye care and has recently expanded to general medical services, with a broader spectrum of care available as of March 6. Ali’s vision for the new mini-hospital includes three operating theatres dedicated to eye surgeries, general minor surgeries, and diabetic foot care. He proudly reported a 100 percent success rate in eye surgeries, emphasizing his commitment to improving healthcare for the local community.

This initiative comes at a crucial time as Fiji seeks to enhance its healthcare capabilities, particularly in health tourism. Similar advancements in the region, such as the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital’s development of a cardiology department and its milestone of completing a successful open-heart surgery, highlight a growing trend toward elevating healthcare standards. These efforts not only serve local residents but also aim to attract international medical tourists seeking high-quality care at affordable prices.

Ali’s project embodies a positive and collaborative approach to healthcare that could significantly benefit Suva’s population by providing more local treatment options. It builds on the successes of existing medical facilities in Fiji, representing a determined effort to enhance healthcare infrastructure. Investing in local healthcare is a promising avenue, ultimately aiming to elevate medical service standards and contribute to Fiji’s reputation as an emerging health tourism hub.

Overall, this movement toward improved healthcare facilities is a encouraging sign for Fiji’s local economy and its residents, as communities stand to gain better access to essential medical care.