An open-heart surgery at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) has marked a significant milestone for the institution, being the first of its kind conducted at the Nadi-based facility. The procedure, known as Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), was performed on 61-year-old Kusum Lata from Natabua by a team of expert Cardio Thoracic specialists with no complications reported.
Lata, a mother of three, expressed her profound gratitude to PSH’s management and staff for facilitating the surgery in such a short time at a fraction of the cost she would have faced had she sought treatment abroad. Initially advised to prepare $50,000 for surgery in India after experiencing severe chest pains and a minor heart attack in June, Lata and her family explored local options. PSH emerged as the first choice, offering the medical procedure locally at significantly lower costs.
“I am feeling so relieved, and all my pains have diminished after my operation,” Lata shared, emphasizing her appreciation for the attentive care she received at PSH. She looks forward to reuniting with her family and holding her grandchild again.
Parvish Kumar, founder and director of PSH, noted that the establishment of the cardiology department and the successful execution of the open-heart surgery resulted from 15 months of rigorous planning, investment in advanced technology, and interdepartmental collaboration. He highlighted the fortunate timing of Lata’s inquiry into the hospital’s cardiology services.
In addition to celebrating Lata’s successful surgery, Kumar highlighted the broader implications of this achievement. The open-heart procedure, which would cost around $50,000 in India, could triple or even sextuple overseas, showcasing the potential for Fiji’s healthcare offerings. Kumar outlined plans to promote Fiji as a health tourism destination, combining top-tier healthcare services with an appealing holiday environment.
This event represents not simply a successful surgery, but a significant advance in local healthcare capabilities, reflecting the potential for broader opportunities in health tourism for Fiji. It is a hopeful reminder that advancements in healthcare can provide life-saving services closer to home and help people regain their health and family connections without the heavy financial burdens associated with overseas treatment.
In summary, the successful open-heart surgery at PSH not only exemplifies local healthcare advancements but also brings hope for Fiji’s emerging status as a destination for health tourism, making high-quality medical care more accessible to those in need.
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