Healthcare reaches out to our athletes
Local athletes who require surgeries will not need to travel overseas when the Pacific Specialist Healthcare ( PSH) near the Nadi International Airport starts operation on May 22.
PSH executive director Parvish Kumar said athletes (like rugby players) who have been sent abroad for surgery in the past now can undergo the same treatment at home.
“One of the common surgeries that have been required is the ACL surgery, our orthopedic surgeon that we have on board, will be conducting it here in this hospital, which has been pending for a long time in Fiji,” he said. Kumar added apart from that they would also be doing a sport rehabilitation process.
“We will have a fully decked up physiotherapy centre here to look after our athletes,” Kumar said.
“If we have international tournaments happening here, the support system is in place to look after athletes and sportsmen and sportswomen.”
Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Dr Ram Raju said, with this development, no one would have any doubts about why they cannot choose to come to Nadi.
“No more hesitant in hosting tournaments in Fiji because of lack of advanced surgical medical care in cases of injuries and other incidents in any sports. This will promote Fiji as a medical and sport tourism destination,” he said.
“Sports can really be pushed and promoted. The HSBC 7s tournaments were not going to be held in Fiji as they always have these doubts about medical care in cases of emergencies. They can now be assured, we’ve got it here now.” Dr Raju added that what is needed is a state-of-the-art Multipurpose International Sports Stadium.
“I’m sure we can procure a big enough land or property in Legalega or nearby areas for this purpose.
“The Multipurpose Sports Stadium should have close to or more than 50,000 seats that could attract almost any international sports as well as any entertainment events that are becoming very popular.
“There can be substantial returns from such an investment in a very short time if planned well.”
He added the Tanoa International Sports Academy, which is now under construction would be an added attraction for national and international sports events.