FIJI-based Pacific Specialist Healthcare could soon host a French health delegation as officials explore specialist treatment options closer to home for patients from French Pacific territories.
The prospect follows a second visit to PSH Hospitals by Dr Yves Burckel, who heads the emergency department at the main hospital in Wallis and Futuna.
Burckel first visited PSH after discussions with its founder and chief executive officer, Parvish Kumar.
Impressed by what he saw, he returned for a closer look at the hospital’s facilities and specialist services. He also held a lengthy discussion with award-winning cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr Sanjeev Kumar Khulbey.
“I cannot describe in words the magnificent facility you have here,” Burckel said.
“In fact, it matches many European hospitals.”
Burckel said patients from Wallis and Futuna who needed major medical treatment were generally referred overseas, commonly to Australia or India. His visit explored whether some specialist care could be made more accessible within the Pacific.
He expressed particular interest in PSH’s cardiac services and the expertise of its heart team, which has performed complex heart procedures at the Nadi hospital.
The visit could lead to further discussions between French health authorities and PSH, including a possible delegation visit. Any arrangement would offer patients from Wallis and Futuna another potential option for receiving specialist treatment within the region.
