A remarkable milestone was achieved in Lautoka, Fiji, on Monday when Kusum Lata, a 56-year-old mother of three, became the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at the newly established Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH).
Grateful for the life-changing operation, Lata expressed her deep appreciation for the team of heart surgeons led by Parvish Kumar, the founder and CEO of Pacific Specialist Healthcare, as well as the dedicated nursing staff. Prior to this significant event, she faced challenges related to the exorbitant costs of heart surgery abroad.
In June, Lata suffered a heart attack which left her in distress as she learned that the total expenses for undergoing the surgery in India, including airfare, would reach approximately $23,000 USD. However, after hearing that PSH was beginning to perform heart operations, she sought care locally and was thrilled to be the first patient to receive treatment at the facility.
Lata noted that having the procedure done in Fiji allowed her to remain connected with her family during her recovery, something she would not have experienced had she traveled to India for surgery. She emphasized to fellow Fijians that they can save money and access affordable heart operations without the additional burdens of international travel.
Following the successful surgery, Lata shared that she feels significantly better and is optimistic about her recovery. Her story highlights the advancements in local healthcare and serves as a beacon of hope for others faced with similar medical challenges.
With access to quality medical care now available in Fiji, patients can look forward to receiving timely and affordable treatment within their own community, ultimately improving their health outcomes and quality of life.
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