A mother of three from Lautoka, Kusum Lata, made history by becoming the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at a locally owned private hospital. The operation took place on Monday at Pacific Specialist Healthcare, where she expressed gratitude towards the lead heart surgeon, Parvish Kumar, as well as the entire medical team.
Before the surgery, Mrs. Lata faced a difficult situation after suffering a heart attack in June. She was initially advised to seek treatment in India, where the total cost—including travel and related expenses—was estimated at around $23,000 USD, a significant burden for her family. However, when she learned about the opening of Pacific Specialist Healthcare’s heart surgery program, she decided to pursue her treatment locally, leading to a successful operation at a fraction of the cost.
Mrs. Lata shared her joy at being able to recover surrounded by her family, noting that if she had gone to India for her treatment, she would not have had that opportunity. She encouraged other Fijians facing similar health issues to consider the local option, which provides quality care at much lower prices.
After enduring minor heart attacks prior to her surgery, Mrs. Lata is now feeling significantly better post-operation, and her message of financial savings and local healthcare hope offers encouragement to others in Fiji facing medical choices.
This story highlights the growing capacity and quality of healthcare facilities in Fiji, offering residents more accessible and affordable medical care. The success of Mrs. Lata’s surgery signals a promising future for heart care in the country, potentially alleviating the need for overseas medical trips for many families.
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