Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) in Nadi is eagerly anticipating an increase in Australian visitors following the recent announcement by Fiji Airways, which will introduce direct flights between Cairns and Nadi starting April 10, 2025. Parvish Kumar, founder and CEO of PSH, expressed enthusiasm, noting that the hospital’s proximity—just a short distance from Nadi International Airport—positions it advantageously within Fiji’s goal to become a premier medical tourism destination.
Kumar emphasized that PSH is committed to collaborating with the Fijian government to promote the country as an appealing choice for health-related travel. The new flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, enabling Australians to access high-quality medical services shortly after their arrival in Nadi, just a 4.5-hour flight away.
Australian travelers enjoy the benefit of not needing a visa for visits to Fiji lasting less than four months, further easing accessibility. Kumar assured that medical procedures at PSH are available at significantly lower costs compared to those in Australia, citing that heart bypass surgery, which may cost approximately $100,000 in Australia, can be performed for a fraction of that price at his facility.
Highlighting the urgent need for preventive care, Kumar pointed out that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Australia, responsible for one in four deaths. In 2021, CVD was an underlying factor in 42,700 fatalities, which equates to approximately 25% of all deaths. Alarmingly, every 12 minutes, an Australian loses their life to CVD, underscoring the importance of accessible medical care.
Adding to the positive outlook, Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker praised the new flight connection, which he believes will enhance travel opportunities to Fiji as a wonderful holiday destination or a chance to visit family. He cautioned about the potential for broader connectivity through Fiji Airways’ membership in Oneworld, which will enable even more access to destinations in North America.
In summary, the opening of the direct flights not only promises greater access to healthcare alternatives for Australians but also emphasizes the vital role of medical tourism in broadening Fiji’s economic landscape. With medical services that are both high-quality and cost-effective, PSH is poised to play a significant role in this evolving sector.
Leave a comment