Fiji Expands Medical Tourism as PSH Hospitals Welcomes Direct Cairns-Nadi Flights

Fiji’s push to become a premier medical tourism hub has received a major boost with Fiji Airways’ announcement of direct flights between Cairns, Australia, and Nadi starting April 10, 2025. The move is expected to provide Australians with greater access to world-class healthcare services at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals, a state-of-the-art 130-bed facility located near Nadi International Airport.

Fiji’s Vision for Medical Tourism

The Fiji Government has been actively promoting medical tourism as part of its strategy to diversify the economy. According to Investment Fiji, the country offers tax incentives and duty-free concessions for private healthcare investors to encourage the development of modern medical facilities .

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing healthcare infrastructure and attracting medical travelers from Australia and the Pacific region. He noted that medical tourism is driven by cost-effectiveness, high-quality care, and advanced treatments, positioning Fiji as a competitive destination.

PSH Hospitals: A Leader in Fiji’s Medical Expansion

PSH Hospitals, led by founder and CEO Parvish Kumar, has been at the forefront of advanced medical procedures in Fiji. The hospital has performed successful open-heart surgeries since November 2024 and is set to conduct a second round of back-to-back surgeries in February 2025.

Mr. Kumar highlighted that the new direct Cairns-Nadi flights, operating three times a week, will provide Australians with easy access to affordable, high-quality medical care.

“An Australian patient may pay around AUD 100,000 for heart bypass surgery at home, but at PSH Hospitals, the same procedure is available for a fraction of that cost,” said Mr. Kumar.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirms that Australians do not require a visa for stays under four months in Fiji, making medical travel hassle-free .

Government Support for Medical Investment

The Fiji Ministry of Economy provides investment allowances and tax concessions for healthcare facility development. Mr. Gavoka emphasized that the government is committed to expanding private healthcare by:

Encouraging foreign investment in medical facilities
Providing tax breaks for hospital infrastructure
Allowing duty-free entry for specialized medical equipment

Tourism and Healthcare Synergy

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill praised PSH Hospitals for achieving a major milestone in medical advancements.

“Knowing that Fiji offers advanced surgical procedures enhances our global reputation. Patients can also recover in Fiji’s stunning environment, which promotes healing,” Mr. Hill said.

Meanwhile, Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker hailed the new direct flight route as a gateway to the Pacific. Travelers from North America can now easily connect to Fiji and explore medical tourism opportunities.

With enhanced healthcare infrastructure, government incentives, and seamless travel options, Fiji is set to become a leading destination for medical tourism, offering world-class healthcare in a tropical paradise.