In a groundbreaking achievement for Fiji’s healthcare system, a 56-year-old mother of three, Kusum Lata, became the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare, the country’s only locally owned private hospital. This historic operation marks a significant milestone for both Lata and the hospital itself.
Mrs. Lata expressed profound gratitude to her medical team, particularly to Dr. Parvish Kumar, the CEO and founder of Pacific Specialist Healthcare, along with the doctors and nursing staff who supported her through the procedure. The surgery’s affordability was a considerable relief; she paid less than a quarter of what she would typically expect to spend for similar procedures abroad, particularly in India, where the total costs including airfare were estimated at around $23,000 USD.
Lata’s health challenges began in June when she suffered a heart attack. Following the incident, she faced the daunting prospect of traveling overseas for surgery, which only added to her distress, knowing her family would be far away during her recovery. Thankfully, upon learning that heart surgeries would soon be available at Pacific Specialist Healthcare, she took the opportunity to get evaluated and became the first patient to benefit from these new services.
Now on the road to recovery, Lata has shared a powerful message with her fellow Fijians: they need not be burdened by the high costs associated with heart surgery, as quality care is accessible locally at a fraction of the cost. She feels optimistic about her health and is thankful for her family’s support during this challenging time.
This development is a beacon of hope for many Fijians who may have felt deterred by high healthcare costs, signaling that local options are growing and improving. It’s encouraging to see advancements in healthcare infrastructure, which can lead to better outcomes for patients and the community at large.
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