Litia Cava 
[File Photo]
Lautoka Hospital has recorded 285 open-heart surgeries and 322 angiograms since rolling out advanced cardiac care.
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed open-heart surgery began in October 2022, while catheterisation laboratory services started in May this year.
He states cardiothoracic services are mandated under the public-private partnership with Health Care Fiji Pte Ltd and are outsourced to MIOT Investment (Fiji) Pte Ltd in partnership with MIOT Hospitals Pvt. Limited in India.
The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question from Opposition MP Parveen Kumar, who questioned the total number of cardiac procedures and angiograms carried out at the hospital since its inception.
The Minister said the services reflect Fiji’s efforts to expand specialised care locally.
This move, Dr Lalabalavu adds, reduces the need for patients to travel overseas for complex heart treatments.
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