A mother from Lautoka, Kusum Lata, made history by becoming the first Fijian to successfully undergo heart surgery at Fiji’s only locally owned private hospital. The 56-year-old woman expressed her gratitude towards the team of surgeons and medical staff at Pacific Specialist Healthcare, led by founder and CEO Parvish Kumar.
Facing a substantial financial burden, Mrs. Lata had previously been advised to seek her bypass operation in India, where costs—including travel and accommodation—would total approximately $23,000 USD. This steep price left her feeling hopeless, especially after having endured a heart attack earlier this year.
When she learned that Pacific Specialist Healthcare was starting to perform heart surgeries domestically, she quickly sought their services and became the first patient to have a procedure done there. Following her successful operation, Mrs. Lata shared her joy, emphasizing how grateful she was to have her family by her side during her recovery—something that wouldn’t have been possible if she’d gone to India.
Mrs. Lata encouraged all Fijians to consider the local option for heart surgery, highlighting that the costs at Pacific Specialist Healthcare were significantly lower—less than a quarter of the amount she would have paid abroad. After suffering from minor heart attacks before the surgery, she is now feeling much better and optimistic about her health.
This milestone not only represents a significant advancement in local healthcare but also offers hope to many others who might be facing similar medical issues but are deterred by the costs involved. The success of Mrs. Lata’s surgery could pave the way for more patients to seek treatment at home, improving access to necessary medical care in Fiji.
Leave a comment