Context: Australian and NZ relations with Fiji have seriously deteriorated (expelled diplomats, aid cuts, trade sanctions) since the military coup in 2006, and the resulting dictatorship there. [0]
Despite the diplomatic meltdown between Fiji and the western world, Australia and NZ continued to offer healthcare to Fijians. It was a decision by the Fijian government to start sending people to India instead. [1]
Also, Fiji has very large ethnic ties with India. [2] The country has a history of deep social and religious divisions as a result. [3]
I don't think there's any suggestion or indication that it's actually preferable to have surgery or treatment in India rather than Australia or NZ.
As an Australian, I'm sorry that Fijians can't come here anymore under their healthcare program.
The choice to send patients to India is purely based on financial, rather than political reasons. Even with the higher airfares, it often turns up significantly cheaper to send patients there. Of course in outlier cases where its thought that there is a higher chance of survival in Aus/NZ, patients are sent there instead.
Australia and New Zealand only deny medical visas for people in the Fiji government and military (and their family).
Despite the diplomatic meltdown between Fiji and the western world, Australia and NZ continued to offer healthcare to Fijians. It was a decision by the Fijian government to start sending people to India instead. [1]
Also, Fiji has very large ethnic ties with India. [2] The country has a history of deep social and religious divisions as a result. [3]
I don't think there's any suggestion or indication that it's actually preferable to have surgery or treatment in India rather than Australia or NZ.
As an Australian, I'm sorry that Fijians can't come here anymore under their healthcare program.
[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Fijian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat...
[1]: http://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Center/Press-Releases/FIJI-LOOK...
[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indians_in_Fiji
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indians_in_Fiji#Religious_and_...