A new initiative is set to significantly improve healthcare services in Fiji’s Northern Division through the establishment of an advanced cardiology department at Labasa Hospital. Parvish Kumar, the founder and CEO of Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals), unveiled this proposal during a visit by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Friday. The committee toured PSH Hospital, recognized as Fiji’s largest specialty private facility.
Kumar highlighted the importance of forming strategic partnerships with successful private hospitals to strengthen the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. He indicated that creating a local cardiology solution at Labasa could eliminate the need for foreign specialists, a model that has proven effective at PSH. By reallocating the funding currently designated for Labasa, Kumar believes the hospital could enhance its operational efficiency and offer advanced cardiac procedures, including open-heart surgery, to residents.
This proposal not only aims to provide essential healthcare services to local communities but also has the potential to promote health tourism, thereby instilling investor confidence in the region. Kumar pointed out that improved healthcare facilities could attract businesses such as hotels and resorts, as well as international events, while ensuring that locals receive access to high-quality medical care.
The initiative builds on PSH’s recent advancements, where the facility has successfully conducted open-heart surgeries locally. This development offers patients a cost-effective alternative to expensive overseas medical treatments, reinforcing Fiji’s emergence as a potential health tourism destination. Such growth stands to benefit both local patients and the broader economy.
The ongoing dialogue regarding improvements in healthcare services indicates a promising direction toward enhanced health outcomes for residents, alongside a solid foundation for attracting global medical travelers in search of affordable, high-quality care. This positive evolution in healthcare can elevate communities and represents a significant step toward a more accessible and well-equipped healthcare system in the Pacific.
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