A groundbreaking moment for Vanuatu’s medical tourism was recently achieved as Gary Morrison became the first international patient to undergo open-heart surgery at the Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital (PSH) in Nadi, Fiji. Morrison, a 57-year-old resort casino manager, traveled to Fiji after facing heart issues for five years, guided by recommendations from family and healthcare professionals in Vanuatu.
He underwent a triple graft heart bypass surgery performed by a skilled surgical team led by Dr. Sanjeev Khulbey. The surgery, conducted from February 23 to February 28, was a success, allowing Morrison to be discharged from the hospital after receiving clearance from the specialists. He expressed his appreciation for the care he received, stating, “The services I received at PSH are brilliant, fantastic, and among the best I could expect.”
Morrison’s decision to seek treatment in Fiji stemmed from the absence of open-heart surgical options available in Vanuatu. He hopes that his experience will inspire more patients from Vanuatu and surrounding areas to consider traveling to Fiji for medical procedures, especially given the convenience of direct flights between Port Vila and Nadi provided by Fiji Airways.
Dr. Parvish Kumar, CEO and founder of PSH, stated that Morrison’s successful surgery aligns with Fiji’s vision to become a prominent destination for medical tourism in the Pacific. Following the recent establishment of their advanced cardiology department and catheterization laboratory, PSH has performed multiple heart surgeries, reflecting a significant advancement in local healthcare capabilities.
This achievement not only enhances medical access for patients in Fiji and neighboring countries but also opens up new opportunities for growth in the medical tourism sector. By effectively marketing affordable, high-quality healthcare services, PSH is positioned to attract international patients seeking healthcare options that may be financially manageable.
The success of Morrison’s procedure highlights a transformative shift in healthcare accessibility within the Pacific region. Improved medical treatment options not only promise better health outcomes but also hold the potential to positively impact local economies through the burgeoning field of health tourism. As these trends continue, stakeholders in the industry remain hopeful about the future of medical tourism in Fiji and its surrounding areas.
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