A new chapter in heart care is taking shape at Sai Prema Hospital, with plans underway to expand services to adults in the near future.

The hospital, which has been known for treating children with heart conditions, is now preparing to broaden its reach following the installation of a new Cath lab unit.

This will allow more advanced procedures to be carried out locally, reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for treatment.

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa says the upgrade will make a real difference for those needing urgent care.

“With the installation of the new Cath lab unit in the Sai Prema hospital, in the not-too-distant future, adults too will be able to be treated here. Those that have heart conditions that normally require heart surgery, either locally or overseas,” Ravunawa said.

He adds that the expansion is part of a wider effort to strengthen specialist healthcare services in the country.

“And we thank the Sai Prema Foundation and the board for their vision and also for continuously improving the facility and bringing sophisticated equipment and training of staff to be able to help our, not only physicians, but people from the Pacific who need heart surgery at no cost. And as a government, we are very thankful that we can continue to support such a vision and the operation of the hospital,” Ravunawa highlighted.

For many families, the development means less travel, lower costs, and faster access to life-saving treatment closer to home.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA