Save Life, Save Planet: PSH Hospitals Calls for a Greener Future by Promoting Intra-Pacific Medical Referrals

PSH Hospitals Founder and Chief Executive Officer Parvish Kumar has called on Pacific leaders to reduce the region’s carbon footprint by keeping more medical treatments within the Pacific instead of sending patients abroad.

Mr Kumar made the comments during the World Health Organization’s Special Event of the Pacific Health Ministers on the Healthy Islands Vision held at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Resort on October 25, 2025.

Mr Kumar said many Pacific patients travel long distances to countries like India, Thailand, and Singapore for treatment.

“These flights produce a huge amount of carbon. All of these surgeries can be done safely in Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji. It is closer, cheaper, and cleaner,’’ he said.

He introduced PSH Hospitals new program called “Save Life, Save Planet.” The aim is to connect healthcare and environmental care.

“When we treat a patient, we must also think about the planet. Saving lives and saving the planet should go together,” he said.

Mr Kumar shared data using the United Kingdom’s Greenhouse Gas formula. His study showed that one round trip from Fiji to India for a patient and an escort produces about 7,800 kilograms of carbon dioxide, more than seven tonnes for one surgery.

“If that same surgery is done in Fiji, the planet is spared that entire seven tonnes. The logic is simple — treat patients closer to home and help the earth at the same time,’’ he said.

He added that most Pacific patients travel through Nadi before flying overseas, which increases emissions.

“When thousands of patients do this every year, the total carbon footprint becomes very large,” he said.

Mr Kumar said the Save Life, Save Planet idea supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and SDG 13) and the WHO Healthy Islands Vision.

“SDG 3 is about good health and SDG 13 is about climate action. At PSH Hospitals, we are helping both. We are saving lives and protecting Mother Earth at the same time,’’ he said proudly.

PSH Hospitals has already carried out many advanced treatments in Fiji.

“We have successfully done open-heart surgeries for patients from Fiji and other Pacific Islands. We even treated one patient from New Zealand and two from Germany right here in Fiji,’’ he said.

Mr Kumar said the results were excellent and the costs were much lower than overseas.

“We also perform neuro and orthopaedic surgeries with 100 percent success. From November, we will offer even more advanced procedures,’’ he said.

He explained that while some overseas treatments may seem cheaper, the hidden costs are high.

“If treatment here costs a little more, it is still worth it,” he said. “If we don’t pay that price now, our children will pay later with a damaged planet.”

Mr Kumar said PSH Hospitals prices are fair and often match those of Indian hospitals. The medicines used meet TGA, BP, and FDA standards, and surgeries are done by experienced doctors.

He said PSH Hospitals will continue to work with governments and health ministries to build stronger medical capacity in the Pacific.

“This is not only about healthcare,” he said. “It is about changing how we care for our people and for our planet.”