Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) has announced plans to establish a DNA library to store biological samples for future use.
This initiative was disclosed by PSH director and CEO, Parvish Kumar, during the fifth MultiDisciplinary (Pacific) Conference at the Crowne Plaza Fiji, Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in Nadi.
“We plan to set up a DNA library. Our goal is to collect samples from umbilical cords with parental consent at birth and store them in the lab,” Kumar said.
He explained that these stored DNA samples would be accessible in Fiji for future use by parents or individuals.
Kumar also mentioned that in the coming two to three weeks, they will begin conducting open-heart surgeries.
“Our entire open-heart surgical team is already in Fiji. They have been conducting revital exercises and system tests,” he said.
“We aim to start offering open-heart surgeries from August 2 to 13.”
With these services available in Fiji, Pacific islanders will not need to travel elsewhere for such medical procedures.
“In the event of another pandemic and border lockdowns, patients can receive these services within Fiji,” he added.
Pacific Specialist Healthcare is located in Legalega, opposite Nadi International Airport, and is the largest private hospital in the South Pacific.