Fiji’s medical tourism sector is celebrating a pivotal achievement with the successful completion of its first open-heart surgery on an international patient at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals in Nadi. The milestone procedure, a triple bypass heart surgery, was performed on 57-year-old Gary Morrison, a tourism executive from Port Vila, Vanuatu, by the esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Sanjeev Khulbey and his specialized team.
The surgery, which took place as part of a series from February 23 to February 28, comes after Morrison sought treatment in Fiji due to five years of heart complications and the absence of such surgical options in his home country. Expressing gratitude for the exceptional care he received, Morrison stated, “The services I received at PSH were brilliant, fantastic, and among the best I could expect.” He plans to remain in Fiji for two weeks for his post-operative follow-up before returning to Vanuatu.
Parvish Kumar, CEO of PSH, welcomed the successful surgery, highlighting its significance in advancing Fiji’s reputation as a premier medical tourism destination. The establishment of a new multimillion-dollar cardiology department and catheterization lab at PSH, launched last November, underscores the facility’s capability for complex surgeries and reflects the shared vision of the Fiji Government to develop the health tourism sector.
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka acknowledged the necessity for improvement in Fiji’s health infrastructure to support local residents and international patients alike. He pointed out that the growing trend of medical tourism often stems from the demand for high-quality affordable care, citing the successful models of health tourism in countries like India. Currently, only about two percent of visitors to Fiji engage in health and medical activities, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in this sector.
Gary Morrison’s successful heart surgery sets a positive precedent and encourages others from Vanuatu and neighboring countries to consider Fiji for medical procedures that may be unavailable at home. With the convenience of direct Fiji Airways flights connecting Nadi and Port Vila, medical travelers may find it easier than ever to seek specialized healthcare in Fiji.
This landmark achievement not only enhances Fiji’s international healthcare profile but also signifies a step forward in boosting the economy and healthcare sector through medical tourism. The combination of quality medical services and the stunning natural environment of Fiji provides an attractive option for patients looking for recovery in a picturesque setting, fostering hope for a thriving future in health tourism.
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