Serevi is PSH hospital’s new brand ambassador

Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital has announced rugby legend Waisale Serevi as its official Brand Ambassador, marking a partnership aimed at raising awareness of affordable, world-class healthcare services available in Fiji.

Speaking at the three-year partnership signing at the hospital’s Nadi facility, PSH founder and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar said the collaboration was driven by a growing need to educate the public about the advanced medical services now available locally.

“Many Fijians still believe they must travel overseas for complex procedures, despite these treatments being available here at a fraction of the cost,” Mr Kumar said.

He highlighted the case of the hospital’s first open-heart surgery patient, Kusum Lata, who had been advised by a Government hospital to seek treatment overseas, but then discovered that PSH could perform the operation locally.

“She required four bypass grafts and eventually underwent a successful surgery at PSH for approximately FJ$12,000,” Mr Kumar said.

“This was significantly less than compared to able overseas costs.”

Mr Kumar said the hospital recently celebrated its 100th successful open-heart surgery, with many patients admitting they were unaware such specialised procedures were available in Fiji.

He also cited another patient who spent approximately $44,000 seeking treatment overseas without success before receiving the required surgery at PSH for around $13,000.

Mr Kumar said PSH had treated patients from countries including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, Germany and Italy, with some overseas patients paying less than one-quarter of the cost quoted in their home countries.

Beyond specialised surgery, he said PSH remained committed to making healthcare accessible through initiatives including:

• Free general practitioner consultations for people aged 65 and above.
• Low-cost GP consultations for younger patients.
• The “Get Treated Now, Pay Later” programme.

The PSH Foundation, which assists disadvantaged patients with medications and life-saving surgeries.

The ‘ideal ambassador’

Mr Kumar said Mr Serevi’s global reputation, humility and commitment to community development made him the ideal ambassador to help spread awareness.

“We believe his voice will help more people understand that quality, affordable healthcare is available right here in Fiji,” he said.

As part of the partnership, Mr Serevi will also support fundraising initiatives for the PSH Foundation, including the auction and sale of signed memorabilia, with proceeds directed towards helping patients unable to afford treatment.

Accepting the role, Mr Serevi said he was honoured to represent an organisation dedicated to serving Fiji and the Pacific.

“I accept this invitation with deep humility and gratitude because this mission goes beyond healthcare. It is about restoring dignity, strengthening families and giving hope to communities,” he said.

Mr Serevi shared that his connection with PSH began after bringing a family member to the hospital for surgery, where he personally experienced the compassion and professionalism of the medical team.

He praised the hospital’s growth into one of the Pacific’s leading specialist healthcare providers and commended its commitment to affordable healthcare, medical innovation and expanding access across the region.

“This is nation-building,” Mr Serevi said.

“When I travel throughout Fiji, the Pacific and internationally, I will proudly speak about a Fijian institution demonstrating that excellence, compassion, innovation and affordability can exist together.”

He also recognised PSH’s recent achievements, including its pharmaceutical manufacturing initiative, affordable consultation services, advanced cardiac, brain and spine surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, plastic surgery, ENT services, and more than 100 successful open-heart operations.

Both PSH and Serevi said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to improving lives through accessible healthcare, community outreach and support for vulnerable families across Fiji and the Pacific.

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj