The Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital is poised to fulfill the aspirations of the Fijian Government, aiming to establish Fiji as a prime health tourism destination, according to its founder and managing director, Parvish Kumar. The hospital is outfitted with state-of-the-art medical technology and a team of specialized staff dedicated to catering to this growing segment of the tourism market.
Kumar emphasized the hospital’s alignment with governmental goals to enhance the health tourism sector, particularly noting the recent launch of a cardiology department and the successful completion of its first open-heart surgery. This 100-bed facility, located near Nadi International Airport, is proud to have achieved a significant milestone in the healthcare sector with its inaugural triple graft coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, performed on 61-year-old Kusum Lata.
Lata underwent the complex operation without complications on November 11 and was discharged by Friday, displaying a promising recovery. Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka highlighted the necessity of improving Fiji’s health infrastructure to cater to both locals and international medical tourists, drawing parallels with successful health tourism models such as India.
In 2022, only about two percent of visitors participated in health and medical activities in Fiji, but the government is fostering private investment in healthcare through various incentives, including allowances for constructing or enhancing private hospitals. This initiative also includes concessions for medical equipment, aiming to bolster private healthcare facilities.
Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, expressed the importance of raising awareness globally about Fiji’s medical capabilities, emphasizing the attractive setting for patients during their recovery process. Dr. Ram Raju, former president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners, remarked that the successful surgery is a promising development not only for Nadi but for Fiji as a whole, suggesting significant growth potential in the health tourism sector.
Overall, the establishment of the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital and its recent accomplishments signal a hopeful and exciting future for health tourism in Fiji, paving the way for enhanced healthcare services and economic growth. The blend of high-quality medical care and the natural beauty of Fiji could indeed position the nation as an attractive option for international patients seeking medical treatment.
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