Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) in Nadi is enthusiastically preparing to welcome more Australian visitors, thanks to the recent announcement by Fiji Airways of new direct flights between Cairns and Nadi starting April 10, 2025.
Parvish Kumar, the founder and chief executive of PSH, emphasized that the hospital’s strategic location, just a short distance from Nadi International Airport, positions it perfectly to align with Fiji’s vision of becoming a premier medical tourism destination. Kumar stated, “We share a common vision with the government of the day and have started working towards achieving our goals of turning Fiji into an attractive destination for tourists who wish to travel for health reasons.”
The new service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—allowing travelers to reach Fiji in approximately four and a half hours. This direct access not only opens up opportunities for Australians seeking quality medical services as soon as they arrive but also leverages the fact that Australian citizens do not require a visa for tourism purposes if their stay is under four months.
Kumar pointed out that medical procedures at PSH are significantly more affordable than in Australia, highlighting that a typical heart bypass surgery could cost around $100,000 in Australia, whereas PSH offers similar services at a fraction of that price. He drew attention to Australia’s concerning cardiovascular disease rates, which remain the leading cause of death for one in every four Australians, resulting in approximately 42,700 fatalities in 2021 alone.
In response to these developments, Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker praised the new flight connection, noting its potential to enhance tourism in the South Pacific while facilitating visits to family and friends. He also remarked on Fiji Airways’ full membership in the Oneworld alliance, which will improve connectivity to North America and beyond.
In summary, the introduction of direct flights from Cairns to Nadi opens up new horizons for Australians seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare options, aligning with Fiji’s goal of becoming a sought-after medical tourism destination. This cooperation between healthcare providers and airlines promises not only to benefit individual health outcomes but also to boost the local economy by attracting more visitors. Through shared visions and strategic partnerships, both the healthcare sector and tourism industry stand to thrive in the years to come.
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