Saheed Ahmad Khan, a 72-year-old Korociri resident, has received life-saving coronary stent treatment at Lautoka Hospital — a procedure he could otherwise not afford — thanks to the new Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) technology now available locally.
Doctors discovered a 70 per cent blockage in Mr Khan’s coronary system, raising fears he might need to travel to New Zealand for urgent care. Instead, the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital’s new Cardiac Catheterisation (CATH) Lab allowed him to undergo the advanced procedure and return home within 24 hours.
Led by consultant cardiologist Dr Bharatvansh Bali, the surgical team used a tiny camera inside the blood vessel to guide precise stent placement, marking a major step forward for interventional cardiology in Fiji.
“It is like a blessing for the people because otherwise, they could not afford it,” Mr Khan said.
He added that without the local option, many patients could face death simply because they cannot raise such a large sum of money.
Now resting at home in Korociri, he praised the hospital staff for their professionalism and efficiency. His family, which includes several medical professionals, shared their relief and satisfaction with the successful outcome.
The procedure highlights the growing capacity of local hospitals to deliver advanced cardiac care, reducing the need for costly overseas treatment while providing life-saving interventions for patients across Fiji.
