Fiji has made significant strides in cardiac healthcare, with the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) center now offering heart bypass surgeries locally. This development allows patients to save over $25,000 compared to seeking similar procedures abroad.
The initiative aims to enhance access to advanced cardiac care, eliminating the need for expensive trips overseas for treatment. Kusum Lata, a 56-year-old resident of Lautoka, became PSH’s first patient to undergo successful open-heart surgery, which lasted four hours. Initially, she was advised by Aspen Hospital in Lautoka to travel to India for surgery that would have incurred costs around FJ$54,000. However, opting for PSH brought her expenses down to less than a quarter of that amount.
Parvish Kumar, the founder and CEO of PSH, emphasized that this milestone in local cardiac surgery significantly improves healthcare in Fiji and the Pacific region. He credited the dedication and expertise of the surgical team for delivering world-class cardiac care close to home, enabling patients to recover surrounded by their family while reducing financial burdens.
Kumar, who previously lectured at the Fiji School of Medicine, noted that the accomplishment was the culmination of 15 months of strategic planning and investment in advanced medical technology. He described the initiative as a “beacon of hope” for cardiac patients throughout the Pacific.
PSH aims to uphold high standards with robust pre- and post-operative protocols, striving for a 100 percent success rate. The integration of Fijian nurses as essential team members has further contributed to the success of these procedures, with Kumar praising their exceptional performance in providing thorough care throughout the surgical process.
Overall, the launch of local heart surgeries at PSH represents a transformative change for cardiac care availability in Fiji, promising a more accessible, affordable, and supportive environment for patients seeking treatment. This new chapter offers hope to many in the Pacific seeking essential medical services without the burden of long-distance travel and high costs.
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