Lautoka Hospital has achieved a significant milestone in cardiac care, conducting 285 open-heart surgeries since it began offering such procedures in October 2022. This announcement was made by Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu during a recent session in Parliament, responding to inquiries from Opposition MP Parveen Bala regarding the hospital’s cardiac services.
The Health Minister also highlighted the new Cath Lab services that were established on May 21, 2025, which have already performed 322 angiograms as of September 26, 2025. Dr. Lalabalavu explained that the cardiothoracic services provided at Lautoka Hospital are through a Concession Agreement with Health Care Fiji Pte Ltd, which collaborates with MIOT Investment (Fiji) Pte Ltd and its parent company, MIOT Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. in India.
Recent enhancements in Lautoka Hospital’s facilities reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the Western Division of Fiji. Notably, the newly inaugurated Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is a part of an $11 million investment to modernize the hospital, alongside the introduction of advanced medical equipment, including Fiji’s first public MRI Suite. These facilities bring advanced diagnostic and interventional capabilities closer to patients, making essential cardiac care more accessible locally.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, recognized the importance of these advancements in alleviating the need for long-distance travel for critical procedures, thus enabling timely medical interventions that can save lives. Furthermore, these improvements not only uplift local healthcare standards but also position Fiji as an emerging destination for medical tourism, offering quality healthcare in the picturesque setting of the Pacific Islands.
The community’s support and collaboration will be pivotal as these initiatives unfold, with a collective focus on enhancing medical services and fortifying Fiji’s healthcare system for the future. The progress made thus far inspires hope for a healthier Fiji, where advanced medical treatments are readily available for all.