Fijians suffering from life-threatening cardiac illnesses will not have to look far to receive urgent health and medical care with the opening of Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital’s new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
It also opened the first public health MRI Suite and a new emergency department extension marking a new age of healthcare for the hospital.
The state-of-the-art facilities were opened by Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, who hailed the new features as a testament to Government’s commitment to improving Fiji’s public health system.
He said for too long many families have faced the burden of travelling long distances for advanced cardiac procedures, and the new cath lab will allow early treatment, reducing complications and saving lives.
Prof Prasad it was part of our broader plan to build a healthier, stronger and more resilient Fiji.
Aspen Medical CEO Gavin Whiteside said the cath lab would support the development of a full cardiothoracic service in Fiji.
He said patients suffering from life-threatening cardiac events would be able to access real time diagnostics and interventions without the need for a transfer to Suva or abroad. Mr Whiteside said the MRI technology would be critical in diagnosing complex conditions affecting the brain, spine, joints and internal organs.
