PSH offers life-saving cardiac care locally

Fijians needing heart bypass surgeries can now save more than $25,000 by opting for local procedures at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH), which recently launched the service in Fiji.

This initiative brings advanced cardiac care closer to home, removing the need for costly overseas travel.

Kusum Lata, 56, from Lautoka, became PSH's first open-heart surgery patient, undergoing a successful four-hour operation on Monday.

Previously advised by Lautoka's Aspen Hospital to seek surgery in India, Ms Lata faced costs of approximately FJ$54,000. Instead, she found the procedure at PSH for less than a quarter of that cost.

According to PSH founder and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar, the introduction of local cardiac surgeries marks a transformative milestone in healthcare for Fiji and the Pacific region.

“This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our surgical team,” Mr Kumar said, “Allowing patients to receive world-class cardiac care at home, supported by family, and at significantly lower costs.”

PSH’s skilled surgical team, trained in top international healthcare institutions, ensures high standards of clinical excellence.

“Fiji’s first open-heart surgery at PSH is the result of 15 months of planning, investment in cutting-edge technology, and collaboration among our medical teams,” Mr Kumar added.

Mr Kumar, a former lecturer at the Fiji School of Medicine, described the journey as a “beacon of hope” for cardiac patients in the Pacific.

With rigorous pre- and post-operative protocols, PSH’s program aims for 100 per cent success rates, integrating Fijian nurses as core contributors to the procedure’s success.

“Our Fijian nurses performed excellently, providing comprehensive care throughout the surgery process,” said Mr Kumar, expressing pride in the hospital’s role in transforming cardiac healthcare accessibility.

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