Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) in Nadi is poised to welcome an influx of Australian visitors, thanks to Fiji Airways’ new direct flights launching from Cairns to Nadi on April 10, 2025. The hospital’s founder and CEO, Parvish Kumar, emphasized that PSH, a modern facility with 100 beds located just a short distance from Nadi International Airport, aligns with the Fijian government’s vision to position the nation as a premier destination for medical tourism.
Kumar stated that the new thrice-weekly flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—transporting passengers to Fiji in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes—will give Australians immediate access to high-quality medical services upon arrival. Interestingly, Australians are the largest group of visitors to Fiji each year, and they enjoy the added benefit of not needing a visa for stays under four months, making travel for health purposes even more convenient.
The hospital offers potential savings for Australian patients, highlighting the stark contrast in medical costs. For example, heart bypass surgery, which can cost around $100,000 in Australia, is significantly more affordable at PSH. Kumar pointed out the alarming statistic that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for one in every four fatalities. In 2021 alone, CVD contributed to 42,700 deaths, reflecting the urgency for affordable medical options.
Richard Barker, CEO of Cairns Airport, commended the new route, which not only enhances access for Australians but also opens up opportunities for holidaymakers and those visiting family in Fiji. With Fiji Airways being a full member of Oneworld, it also facilitates expanded travel options across North America.
This development sets a hopeful tone for the future of medical tourism in Fiji, promising better health outcomes for patients while also boosting the local economy. As direct flights become operational, the collaboration between PSH and the Fijian government could lead to enhanced healthcare access for many Australians in need of medical treatment abroad.
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