Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) recently introduced Pill Cams, also known as Capsule Endoscopy, to enhance their diagnostic services. Following this launch, the hospital has placed additional orders to ensure a consistent supply of this high-demand service.
Parvish Kumar, PSH’s director and chief executive officer, noted that the response to the Pill Cam has exceeded expectations. “We have already ordered more units, which we anticipate receiving within a week to prevent any service interruptions,” he stated.
Kumar emphasized the facility’s commitment to maintaining a stock that accommodates at least three months of supplies. “We are always attentive to our supply chain logistics to minimize disruptions and are exploring strategies to tackle potential issues in the future,” he added.
The director expressed surprise at the level of interest in this new digestive diagnostic technology. While they anticipated a moderate uptake, expecting it to be about 4 to 5 percent higher than traditional methods, the actual demand has significantly surpassed that figure. Kumar advocated for the procedure’s benefits, particularly in detecting bowel cancer, and recommended individuals over 65 years old undergo this check every two years.
The capsule endoscopy system includes an ingestible capsule equipped with a camera, enabling doctors to visualize the small intestine, which plays a vital role in digestion. Patients swallow a capsule roughly the size of a large vitamin, which then captures images as it moves through the digestive tract.
“Capsule Endoscopy offers a non-invasive solution for visualizing the small bowel, an area that is difficult to assess with conventional endoscopy,” Kumar explained.
In addition to these advancements, PSH in Nadi has experienced an uptick in both local and tourist clientele seeking medical evaluations and treatments. Kumar noted instances where they stabilized ill tourists before arranging their return home via medical evacuation services. The surge in patients has been partly attributed to PSH’s new 24-hour operational model, providing access to expert medical professionals around the clock.
Looking ahead, Kumar shared plans for introducing additional healthcare technologies to improve medical services in Fiji. He aims to offer world-class health treatments for both local residents and those from the Pacific Islands. With preparations for open heart surgery and other intensive procedures in progress, Kumar emphasized the importance of making healthcare more affordable for the community, continually seeking ways to enhance healthcare financing and promote universal health coverage.