Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) recently introduced Pill Cams, or Capsule Endoscopy, generating a surge in demand for this innovative diagnostic technology. To ensure uninterrupted service, the hospital has already placed orders for additional supplies, expected to arrive within a week.
PSH’s director and CEO Parvish Kumar indicated the heightened demand for pill cameras became evident once the service was publicly announced. “We always maintain a stock for a minimum of three months to prevent shortages,” said Kumar. The hospital actively monitors supply chain logistics to minimize disruptions and is currently exploring strategies to maintain consistent availability.
Kumar expressed surprise at the high demand for this new technology, initially expecting about a 4 to 5 percent increase in usage compared to conventional methods. He highlighted the importance of capsule endoscopy in detecting bowel cancer, recommending that individuals over the age of 65 undergo the procedure every two years.
The capsule endoscopy system involves swallowing a small capsule, comparable in size to a large vitamin pill, which contains a miniaturized camera that captures images of the small intestine as it moves through the digestive tract. This non-invasive method provides doctors at PSH with a valuable tool to visualize hard-to-reach areas that are inaccessible through traditional endoscopic techniques.
In addition to the introduction of capsule endoscopy, PSH has noticed an increase in patients, both tourists and locals, seeking medical attention for various conditions. Kumar noted instances where sick tourists required stabilization before being evacuated back to their home countries.
The rise in patient numbers has also been attributed to PSH’s 24-hour operational status, providing round-the-clock access to expert medical professionals. Looking ahead, Kumar announced plans for the introduction of more advanced medical technologies to enhance healthcare services in Fiji. His vision is to offer world-class procedures and treatments that are affordable for both Fijians and Pacific Islanders, emphasizing the importance of making healthcare financing more accessible while promoting universal health coverage.