Fiji’s efforts to position itself as a premier medical tourism destination in the Pacific have taken a significant step forward with the successful completion of its first international open-heart surgery at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals).
Located near Nadi International Airport, the state-of-the-art 130-bed facility is transforming Fiji into a hub for world-class healthcare services.
Fiji’s Growing Medical Tourism Industry
Fiji’s government has long aimed to develop the country’s medical tourism sector, providing high-quality healthcare while attracting international patients.
The Fiji Ministry of Health has been working alongside private medical institutions to establish the country as a trusted medical travel destination.
According to PSH founder and CEO Parvish Kumar, the hospital is aligned with the government’s vision of promoting medical tourism in the Pacific.
Since the commissioning of its multi-million-dollar cardiology department and catheterization laboratory (cath lab) in November 2024, the hospital has successfully performed multiple complex heart surgeries, including Fiji’s first international patient procedure.
Historic Open-Heart Surgery for a Vanuatu Patient
The breakthrough moment came when Gary Morrison, a 57-year-old tourism executive from Vanuatu, became the first international patient to undergo open-heart surgery in Fiji.
Morrison, who had been suffering from heart issues for five years, chose to travel to Fiji after recommendations from his doctor in Vanuatu and his wife’s family in Fiji.
His triple graft heart bypass surgery was led by renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Sanjeev Khulbey, who brings 30 years of experience in cardiac surgery. Supported by a highly trained team of cardiology specialists, the surgery was completed successfully, and Morrison has since been discharged.
Fiji: A Convenient and Affordable Alternative for Medical Travel
Morrison praised PSH Hospitals’ facilities and medical team, describing the care he received as “brilliant, fantastic, and among the best.”
Since Vanuatu does not offer open-heart surgeries, he now plans to recommend Fiji to family and friends for specialized treatment.
Travelling to Fiji for medical care is also highly convenient. Direct flights between Port Vila and Nadi, operated by Fiji Airways, make access to advanced healthcare services easy.
Morrison noted that his entire treatment process, from diagnosis to surgery, was arranged within two weeks, ensuring minimal delays and efficient patient care.
A Bright Future for Fiji’s Healthcare Sector
Fiji’s investment in specialized healthcare infrastructure is expected to boost its reputation as a medical tourism hub, particularly for patients from the Pacific region.
The government continues to support collaborations between private hospitals and public health institutions, aiming to expand access to advanced medical treatments.
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