Pacific Specialist Healthcare founder and CEO Parvish Kumar says healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy, but should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
Speaking at the two-day PSH Hospitals Scientific Conference at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort in Sigatoka, Kumar says the hospital was established with the aim of providing inclusive healthcare for Fiji and the Pacific.
He says the institution also focuses on advancing medical technology, developing skilled healthcare professionals and promoting universal health coverage.
Kumar stresses that investing in modern medical equipment alone is not enough to improve healthcare without also training people to use it effectively.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says Fiji needs to strengthen its healthcare services and work towards becoming a regional centre for specialist medical treatment.
Dr Lalabalavu says cooperation between the Government and private healthcare providers is essential to improving access to quality healthcare.
He says Fiji continues to rely heavily on imported medicines, particularly from countries such as India, and believes establishing local pharmaceutical manufacturing could help meet the needs of Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
The Minister says the Government cannot provide all healthcare services on its own and has welcomed private sector investment in specialist treatment, advanced medical equipment and professional training.
He has also acknowledged PSH's contribution to improving specialist healthcare services in Fiji.
