Fijians now have access to heart bypass surgeries at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH), enabling them to save over $25,000 compared to having the procedure done overseas. This new service is a significant advancement in cardiac care, allowing patients to receive treatment locally, thus eliminating the need for expensive international travel.
Kusum Lata, a 56-year-old from Lautoka, became the first patient to undergo open-heart surgery at PSH, successfully completing a four-hour operation. Earlier, she was advised to go to India for her surgery, which would have cost her around FJ$54,000. By choosing PSH, she was able to receive the same quality of care for less than a quarter of that expense.
Parvish Kumar, the founder and CEO of PSH, highlighted that their local cardiac surgeries represent a transformative step for healthcare in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. He emphasized the skill and dedication of the surgical team, stating that patients can now receive world-class cardiac care supported by their families and at significantly lower costs.
The launch of this service follows 15 months of meticulous planning, investment in advanced technology, and collaboration among medical professionals. Kumar described the success of Fiji’s first open-heart surgery as a “beacon of hope” for patients seeking cardiac care in the Pacific.
PSH is committed to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence, with robust pre- and post-operative protocols aimed at achieving 100 percent success rates. The involvement of skilled Fijian nurses has been integral to the success of the procedures. Kumar expressed pride in their comprehensive care during the surgery process, further contributing to the transformation of cardiac healthcare accessibility in the region.
This development is indeed a hopeful sign for many, as it opens doors to affordable healthcare options for Fijians with heart conditions, ensuring they receive the care they need without the financial burden often associated with overseas treatments.
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