A mother of three from Lautoka has made history by becoming the first Fijian to successfully undergo a heart operation at Fiji’s only locally owned private hospital. Kusum Lata, a 56-year-old resident of Natabua, expressed her gratitude to the heart surgeons at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH), led by founder and CEO Parvish Kumar, alongside his dedicated team of medical professionals.
Mrs. Lata experienced a heart attack in June and, after surviving it, faced the daunting reality of the high costs involved in seeking treatment abroad, particularly in India. Originally, she was quoted around $23,000 USD for her bypass operation, which would include airfares and other expenses. However, the procedure at PSH turned out to be significantly more affordable, costing her less than a quarter of that amount.
She recalled how she learned about PSH and decided to seek care there, ultimately becoming the first patient to undergo heart surgery at the facility. The successful operation allowed her to recover surrounded by her family, something she noted wouldn’t have been possible had she traveled to India for treatment.
Mrs. Lata’s experience serves as a beacon of hope to other Fijians facing similar health challenges. She encourages others not to despair over the costs of heart operations, emphasizing that PSH offers quality care at a fraction of the price. Since her surgery, she has experienced improvement in her health and feels optimistic about her future.
This landmark operation not only highlights the advancements in healthcare available within Fiji but also demonstrates the potential for local medical facilities to provide essential services that support the well-being of the community. The successful case of Mrs. Lata stands as a reminder of the possibilities that exist within local healthcare systems.
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