For 33-year-old head chef Roshil Ravnit Kumar, experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath led to a life-changing discovery — and ultimately, a second chance at life.

The Saweni, Lautoka native, who joined Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) as head chef in 2025, says he considers becoming an employee of the hospital one of the best things to have happened to him.

Kumar recently reflected on his experience as Fiji observes World Heart Month, officially launched in Suva on September 1 by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.

Earlier this year, Kumar underwent open-heart surgery at PSH Hospitals after medical tests revealed a serious heart condition he had been unaware of.

He initially sought medical attention after experiencing severe chest pains and difficulty breathing, leading to an echocardiogram and angiogram at the hospital.

He was assessed by in-house interventional cardiologist Dr Srikar Miryala, before further consultation with consultant cardiologist Dr Omar Niazi and cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr Sanjeev Kumar Khulbey.

The medical team recommended Total Arterial Revascularisation and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), commonly known as heart bypass surgery, instead of angioplasty and stenting, based on his condition and the long-term benefits of the procedure.

However, the unexpected diagnosis left Kumar facing a major financial challenge.

He says he would not have been able to afford the surgery himself, particularly given the short notice.

His situation was then brought to the attention of PSH Hospitals founder and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar, who decided to personally cover the cost of his treatment.

Kumar says he remains deeply grateful for the support, describing his employer as a caring and generous boss who gave him what he calls a “second chance in life.”

He also acknowledged the hospital’s cardiology team and ICU staff for the care he received before and after the operation.

Kumar underwent surgery on May 12 and says his recovery progressed quickly, with him walking normally just three days after the procedure.

He returned to his role as head chef on July 15, about a month after the surgery.

Now fully recovered, Kumar says the experience has strengthened his appreciation for life and the care he received from PSH Hospitals.

Meanwhile, PSH Hospitals founder and CEO Parvish Kumar says the successful outcome demonstrates the capabilities of the hospital’s specialised heart team.

He says the facility is equipped to perform complex and advanced cardiac procedures at its 130-bed specialty private hospital, which PSH describes as the largest of its kind in the Pacific region.

The hospital has also carried out other major medical procedures involving both local and international patients.