A 27-year-old father of two from Lautoka has been given a new lease on life after receiving critical cardiac treatment through the PSH Foundation, highlighting the growing impact of locally delivered, donor-supported heart care in Fiji. Philip Roger Matanisiga, a chef by profession, was diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) following a routine medical check-up, despite experiencing no visible symptoms at the time.
The hospital says the unexpected diagnosis placed immense emotional and financial pressure on Matanisiga and his family.
They say overseas treatment was considered but ruled out due to insurance limitations for pre-existing conditions, leaving the family facing uncertainty and distress.
PSH says hope returned when the family learned about the PSH Foundation, the charitable arm supporting patients in need of specialised medical care at PSH Hospitals.
Matanisiga’s wife says they came across the PSH Foundation on social media and learned that heart valve replacement surgeries were being done locally with support from the foundation. She says that is when they reached out and followed the required process.
After careful review, Matanisiga was approved for foundation-sponsored cardiac surgery at PSH Hospitals, a moment the family describes as life-changing. She says when they were told the PSH Foundation would sponsor her husband’s treatment, they were overwhelmed with joy.
She adds that it gave them hope again.
Matanisiga underwent successful surgery and praised the quality of care provided by PSH Hospitals.
He says from reception to the doctors, nurses, and staff, the service was outstanding.
Matanisiga says he would rate it five stars and that everyone was supportive and understanding. Just days after surgery, Matanisiga reported significant improvements in his breathing and daily functioning.
He says he is starting to feel like his old self again, as this support has given him another shot at life and the chance to be there for his children.
PSH Foundation Founder Parvish Kumar says Matanisiga’s story reflects the purpose of the foundation, which is to ensure no Fijian is denied life-saving care due to financial hardship.
Kumar says their mission is simple: to save lives and keep families together.
He says Matanisiga’s recovery is a reminder of what is possible when communities, donors, and healthcare providers come together.
He also stresses that the growing demand for cardiac and specialised medical care in Fiji makes continued donor support critical.
Kumar adds that there are many more individuals like Matanisiga who need urgent treatment, and they urgently need more donors and partners to help continue this work and support lives in Fiji.
Kumar also encourages the public and corporate sector to contribute to the foundation’s efforts, saying every contribution, big or small, helps give someone another chance at life.
He says the PSH Foundation continues to support patients requiring specialised treatment locally, reducing the need for costly overseas referrals and strengthening Fiji’s healthcare capacity.
Matanisiga says he is grateful to the PSH Foundation and PSH Hospitals for giving him hope and the opportunity to see his children grow up.
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