Pacific Specialists Healthcare recently introduced Pill Cams, also known as Capsule Endoscopy, prompting the hospital to place additional orders to ensure continued service availability. The hospital’s director and CEO, Parvish Kumar, indicated that the demand for this new diagnostic technology surged following its announcement.
Kumar shared that they have ordered more units, which are expected to arrive within a week to prevent any service interruptions. He noted the importance of maintaining a minimum three-month stock supply at all times to avoid any shortages.
“We anticipated a preference for this new technology for diagnosing digestive issues but were surprised by the overwhelming demand. Our initial expectations were about 4 to 5 percent higher than conventional methods based on studies from neighboring countries,” Kumar explained. He emphasized the significance of capsule endoscopy in detecting bowel cancer, urging individuals over the age of 65 to undergo this procedure every two years.
The capsule endoscopy system features a small ingestible camera that provides doctors with the ability to visualize the small intestine—a critical part of the digestive system that is often inaccessible through traditional endoscopic techniques. The non-invasive procedure involves swallowing a capsule that resembles a large vitamin.
Kumar added, “The capsule has a tiny camera and light source that captures images of the small intestine as it moves through the digestive tract.”
In addition to the capsule endoscopy, PSH Nadi is experiencing an uptick in both tourists and locals seeking medical check-ups and treatments. Kumar mentioned that some tourists have required urgent care, necessitating stabilization before they were airlifted back to their home countries through medical evacuation arrangements. This influx is attributed to the hospital’s 24-hour operation, which offers access to expert medical practitioners at all times.
Kumar revealed plans to introduce more advanced medical technologies that would benefit healthcare in Fiji. He aims to provide world-class medical treatment for both local residents and Pacific Islanders, including preparations for open-heart surgery and other intensive procedures.
“I am committed to offering affordable medical services, recognizing the financial challenges many locals and Pacific Islanders face. Having grown up in Fiji, I am acutely aware of our healthcare landscape and am consistently exploring ways to enhance healthcare financing and promote universal health coverage,” Kumar stated.