A mother from Lautoka, Kusum Lata, made history on Monday by becoming the first Fijian to successfully undergo a heart operation at Fiji’s only locally owned private hospital. At 56 years old, Lata expressed her deep gratitude to the surgeons at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH), chief executive Parvish Kumar, and the dedicated medical staff involved in her care.
Prior to the operation, Mrs. Lata faced significant challenges after surviving a heart attack in June and being informed of the exorbitant costs associated with undergoing the procedure in India, which totaled approximately $23,000 USD, including travel expenses. After learning that PSH was ready to offer heart surgeries locally, she decided to proceed with the operation there, which cost her less than a quarter of what she would have had to pay abroad.
“I was so happy. I never dreamt this could be done here, and my family is very happy to see me well and able to recover with them beside me,” said Lata. She highlighted the importance of being near her family during her recovery, which would not have been possible if she had traveled to India for treatment.
Mrs. Lata encourages other Fijians to follow her example and save their money, noting that the affordable and quality healthcare available at PSH makes it a viable option for heart surgeries in Fiji. After experiencing minor heart issues prior to the surgery, she reported feeling significantly better following the successful operation.
This significant development in healthcare access for Fijians showcases the potential for improved medical services locally, allowing patients to receive necessary treatments without the burden of high overseas costs or travel.
In a broader context, this event signifies a positive step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Fiji, making advanced medical treatments more accessible to the local population.
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