LABASA businessman Jamendra Singh is the first heart patient from the Northern Division to undergo an open-heart bypass surgery at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) in Nadi.

Mr Singh, 54, of Bulileka in Labasa, complained of chest pains and symptoms of his heart problems emerged some six-months ago following which he made several trips to Viti Levu for tests and to gather information on his treatment options.

“After six-months of running around, I am happy to have received a world-class treatment right here in Nadi at PSH Hospitals and that too from one of the best specialist doctors and staff available,” a happy Mr Singh said.

He said following an angiogram in Nadi, he was referred to PSH Hospitals for surgery.

“I was told by specialists that I need a heart bypass surgery as stenting was not an option taking the status of my heart condition into consideration,” Mr Singh said.

He said within a few weeks his medical insurance service provider – BSP Life was able to arrange all the necessary paperwork for the surgical procedure which was carried out by highly qualified cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Sanjeev Khulbey and his team of cardiac specialists.

“I have received VIP service right from the surgeons to medical assistants and the general staff and management of PSH Hospitals and their service is number one,” Mr Singh said.

“I am going to tell everyone I meet in Labasa and there is no need to travel overseas as better services are available locally here in Nadi.”

Mr Singh, who operates a very successful motor garage in Labasa, commended moves by PSH Hospitals to set up a similar cardiology department in Labasa in the near future.

“That is great news for the people of Labasa and I wish PSH Hospitals all the best for the future.”

PSH Hospitals founder and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar said the hospital will be introducing new technology and advancements in the medical field at regular intervals.

• SHALENDRA PRASAD is a freelance photojournalist-based Nadi, Fiji