Fijians in need of heart bypass surgeries can now save over $25,000 by choosing to undergo these procedures locally at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH), which has recently introduced this service in Fiji. This initiative allows patients to access advanced cardiac care without the financial burden of traveling abroad for treatment.
Kusum Lata, a 56-year-old resident of Lautoka, became the first patient to receive open-heart surgery at PSH, successfully completing a four-hour operation on Monday. Ms. Lata had initially been advised by Aspen Hospital in Lautoka to seek surgery in India, with estimated costs around FJ$54,000. However, she was able to obtain the procedure at PSH for less than a quarter of that amount.
Parvish Kumar, founder and CEO of PSH, emphasized that the launch of local cardiac surgeries represents a major advance in healthcare for both Fiji and the wider Pacific region. “This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our surgical team,” he stated. This development allows patients to receive world-class cardiac care at home, with the support of their families and significant financial savings.
The surgical team at PSH has received training from leading healthcare institutions globally, ensuring that they adhere to high standards of clinical excellence. Mr. Kumar reflected on the extensive planning, investment in cutting-edge technology, and collaboration among medical professionals that led to Fiji’s first open-heart surgery at PSH, calling the journey a “beacon of hope” for cardiac patients in the Pacific.
With well-defined pre- and post-operative protocols, PSH aims for a 100 percent success rate, integrating Fijian nurses into critical roles within the surgical process. Mr. Kumar praised the exceptional performance of the Fijian nurses, who provided comprehensive care throughout the surgery, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to enhancing accessibility to cardiac healthcare.
This initiative is a significant step forward for healthcare in Fiji, offering local patients affordable and quality surgical options while keeping them closer to their support systems, and it represents a hopeful future for cardiac care in the region.
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