LAUTOKA, Fiji, 22 May 2025 - Aspen Medical has opened a new Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (cath lab) at Lautoka Hospital, signifying an advancement in the provision of world-class cardiac care for the residents of Lautoka and the broader Western Division. The new facility, which is free to Fijian citizens, saw its first patient on Wednesday, 21 May.

This facility will enable the hospital to offer a wider range of diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, utilising minimally invasive techniques. The newly established cath lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will be staffed by a specialised team of cardiac professionals. The facility will support procedures including vessel imaging for the detection of blockages, interventions to open narrowed arteries, implantation of devices for heart rhythm management and cardiac function and pressure assessments.

Aspen Medical’s CEO in Fiji, Gavin Whiteside, said, “The establishment of this free cath lab for Fijian citizens addresses the critical need for accessible cardiac care within the Western Division. Previously, patients requiring these specialised interventions often faced the necessity of travelling significant distances for treatment. 

“The new facility at Lautoka Hospital will improve the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, leading to enhanced patient outcomes and reduced recovery periods”.

The addition of the cath lab reflects Aspen Medical's ongoing commitment to expanding its clinical capabilities and providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community in the greater Western Division. The cath lab is part of an $11 million (FJD) investment at Lautoka Hospital, which also includes a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite and an Emergency Department upgrade.

ENDS