First Tongan Patients Expected This Week
“The good thing about Fiji is we do not need a visa, travel is only an hour and a half, and cost is less,” Dr Plukala said.
Monday 31 July 2023 | 15:32
From left: Pacific Specialist Healthcare(PSH) neurosurgeon Dr Alan Biribo, Tongan physician Dr Sione Latu, Tongan Minister for Health Dr Saia Ma’u Plukala, PSH Director and CEO Parvish Kumar and Tongan Radiologist and medical superintendant Vaiola Hospital Dr Ana Akauola at PSH Hospital in Nadi on July 28, 2023. Photo: Charles Chambers
Pacific Specialist Healthcare is expected to take its first set of patients for specialised treatment from Tonga, this week.
Tongan Minister for Health Dr Sala Ma’u Plukala said this after his visit to PSH Hospital in Nadi last week Friday.
Dr Plukala was impressed with facilities he and his team saw during the visit.
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“We just arrived on Thursday in Fiji to see what services were provided by PSH,” Dr Plukala said.
“We are looking at the opportunity and options to send patients to Fiji.
“Right now, we are sending them to New Zealand and Australia, but because of high costs, we could not send a high number of patients.
“Some years ago, we started sending patients to India, because costs were affordable – like if we send four patients to India, it would be like sending one patient to New Zealand.
“We will send more patients for treatment to PSH, because costs are lower than India, Australia and New Zealand.
“We have seen the facilities, it has high technology, and has given us an alternative to send patients here to PSH.”
Oncology and cancer treatment at PSH are expected to gain momentum, amid plans to build a centre for radiation treatment in Suva, in about 18 months.
“The good thing about Fiji is we do not need a visa, travel is only an hour and a half, and cost is less,” Dr Plukala said.
“The weather is the same, and of course the people.
“The good thing about PSH is those travelling with the patient can actually stay in the room.
“We are impressed with the facilities and thankful to the owner of PSH, Pravish Kumar, for his vision, not only for Fiji, but for the region.”
Dr Plukala said the proximity of PSH Hospital in Nadi was great as it was only three minutes from the airport.
Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
