LAUNCH OF $4.5 MILLION MRI FACILITY

Message from Chairman

The new Magnetic Resonance Imaging facility was officially launched by the Minister for Health and

Medical Services Hon. Atonio Lalabalavu on Tuesday 17 January 2022 at the newly constructed MRI building at Oceania Hospitals.

Speaking at the official launch, the Oceania Hospitals Board Chairman Dr Wame Baravilala said that Oceania Hospitals is proud to officially launch the addition of yet another invaluable service for the people of Fiji, capping off investments of close to 10 million dollars for the year and spanning across property upgrades, new and latest technology equipment like the digital mammogram, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy,

Analysers etc. The in-house Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility that got launched, represents one of the most ambitious single investment project, initiated and completed in 2022, with an investment of close to $4.5million.

MRI scanners are not widely accessible in many countries as it requires very expensive infrastructure for its safe and accurate operation including the installation of magnetic and radiofrequency shields. For that reason, patients are often required to wait for long periods or travel overseas to access this advanced diagnostic imaging technology at high cost.

With the opening of the new MRI facility, we aim to serve not only the people of Fiji but our Pacific Island neighboring countries as well.

Those in the nearby countries that had to travel overseas to get an MRI done, can now visit us for the same treatment at an affordable price.

One of the major initiatives for Oceania Hospitals this year is to continue on its commitment to service excellence as it remains the front and centre of its ethos. ‘Culture’ orientation program would be central to its efforts in raising service standards.

Some of the key projects that are already underway is the most awaited Birthing Facility. This is in the final stage of approval with the

Ministry of Health and will begin the service soon. Another key project is the introduction of the Integrated Hospital Information System (HIS) earmarked for completion by mid-year. This would be a game changer and we see this as integral for the future of health care and allowing us to bring many services to you through e-channels.

We plan to continue investing in and purchasing state of the art equipment to enhance our service level. Indeed, we are passionate and determined to develop and grow the “Oceania Hospitals” brand, both in this country as well as the South Pacific Region, stated the Chairman.

Dr Baravilala added that the journey would not be possible without the trust and confidence placed in the Board and management of Oceania Hospitals by its sole shareholder, BSP Life and indeed our ultimate owner, the BSP Financial Services Group. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of the BSP Group throughout this hospitals lifespan which clearly demonstrates its confidence and long term commitment to the healthcare industry in this country, re-iterated Dr Baravilala.

About Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The Altea 1.5Tesla boasts a high resolution imaging capability, which allows for the clear and detailed visualization of internal organs and structures. This is particularly beneficial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.

In addition to its high resolution, the Altea 1.5T also offers a faster scan time compared to traditional MRI machines. This is especially important for patients who may experience anxiety or claustrophobic during the procedure, as well as for those who need to return for follow up scans

Another advantage of Altea 1.5T is its ability to produce a wide range of imaging sequences including T1 T2 and PD weighted images and spectroscopy. This allows health care professionals to choose the most appropriate sequence for the specific condition being imaged resulting in higher diagnostic accuracy and confidence.

The Altea 1.5T is also equipped with advanced imaging techniques such as MRI angiography and MRI venography which can provide detailed images of blood vessels.

This is particularly useful for identifying conditions such as aneurysms, blockages and other vascular abnormalities.

In short the MRI Altea 1.5 T is a cutting edge imaging machine that offers a wide range of advantages for both patients and healthcare professionals.  Its high resolution imaging capability, faster scan time and ability to produce a wide range of imaging sequences make it a valuable tool for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of a variety of conditions.

Message from CEO

Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd has once again achieved another great milestone. Speaking at the official launch of its State of the art MRI Facility, the Oceania Hospitals CEO Mr. Morgan Pillay added that it was indeed a privilege for him and his team to say that now they have a strong and stable business and are delighted to see the many dreams of the organization unfolding in front of our eyes – in this case, the launch of the state of the art MRI facility.

During the launch the CEO expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the staff, customers and Ministry of Health together with the other regulatory bodies. He acknowledged the support and understanding provided over the years and looks forward to further collaboration and promotion of the Governments healthcare agenda in the country.

Mr Pillay added that Oceania Hospitals has already embarked on a journey to raising private healthcare standards.

As a hospital, it is mindful of its responsibility to cater to all segments of the population so it play a greater role in the social responsibility space, in future. Needless to say,

the hospital is resolute in forging ahead with its plans to expand its presence across the country, either through direct representation or through a collaborative network of service providers, be accessible to the regional neighbors and deliver on its vision to be the preferred provider in quality private healthcare and diagnostics for the

South Pacific through clinical and service excellence.