Court to rule on Punja's overseas medical travel application

The Suva Magistrate Court will rule on July 8 on an application by Fiji Blue Gas director Thakor Punja to travel overseas for medical treatment while on bail.

Punja, who faces three drug possession charges, appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning.

The defence is seeking a variation to Punja's bail conditions to allow him to travel overseas for an Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) procedure following serious back injuries he suffered in a road accident in April last year. The accident occurred while he was returning to the Western Division with his father after a court appearance.

During the hearing, the court was told there were two options for Punja's treatment: an overseas specialist could travel to Fiji to perform the surgery, or Punja could travel overseas for the procedure.

Colonial War Memorial Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Luke Nasedra told the court the surgery would depend on available logistics.

Dr Nasedra said Pacific Specialist Health Care in Nadi had the facilities to host overseas specialists to carry out the surgery in Fiji.

He also told the court the Ministry of Health has a dedicated fund that could support bringing overseas specialists to Fiji.

However, Dr Nasedra confirmed that while the medical facility is available, there is no qualified specialist in Fiji to perform the procedure.

Punja faces one count each of allegedly possessing 0.841 grams of methamphetamine, 5.447 grams of cocaine and 16.6 grams of cannabis. The offences are alleged to have occurred in Lami on May 11, 2024.

Magistrate Prasad is expected to deliver his ruling on the bail application on July 8.

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