A mother of three from Lautoka, Kusum Lata, made a significant milestone on Monday as she became the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at Fiji’s only locally owned private hospital, Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH). The 56-year-old expressed her deep gratitude towards the hospital’s founder and CEO, Parvish Kumar, along with his dedicated team of doctors and nursing staff.
Previously, Mrs. Lata had faced the distressing prospect of having to travel to India for surgery, which would have cost around $23,000 USD when factoring in additional expenses such as airfares. This exorbitant cost left her feeling hopeless after surviving a heart attack earlier this year in June. However, upon discovering the operations being offered at PSH, she felt a wave of relief and decided to proceed with her surgery there.
“I was thrilled to learn that such medical procedures could be performed locally,” Mrs. Lata said. “I never imagined I could have this done here, and my family is immensely grateful to see me recovering well. In India, I wouldn’t have had the comfort of their support post-operation.”
Reflecting upon her experience, Mrs. Lata urged fellow Fijians to save their money by seeking local medical options, highlighting that PSH provides heart surgeries at a fraction of the cost compared to international alternatives. She emphasized, “I paid less than a quarter of what I would have spent if I went to India.”
After experiencing minor heart attacks leading up to her operation, Mrs. Lata reported feeling significantly better afterward and is hopeful for a quick recovery with her family’s support.
This story not only showcases the potential for quality healthcare solutions within Fiji but also underscores the importance of accessibility to medical procedures for local residents. It’s a hopeful reminder that advancements in healthcare can be achieved nationally, allowing individuals to receive the care they need without incurring debilitating costs.
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