Dr. Parma Nand was a highly respected cardiothoracic surgeon whose life was defined by compassion, skill, and a commitment to serving others. Born in Labasa, Fiji, he grew up in extreme poverty with ten siblings. His parents were modest tailors, and the family struggled to make ends meet. From a young age, Nand demonstrated determination and resilience, selling milk and helping the family in any way he could. Despite financial hardship, he pursued his education with passion, eventually studying medicine and setting his sights on giving back to his community.
Early Life and Family Background
Dr. Parma Nand early years were marked by struggle and resilience. Growing up with ten siblings, he witnessed the hardships of a large family living in poverty. His parents worked tirelessly as tailors, instilling in him the values of hard work and humility. Even as a child, he found ways to support the family, showing early signs of responsibility and empathy. These formative experiences shaped his character and inspired him to pursue a career where he could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
He is survived by three children, including 16-year-old twins, Thomas and William, and two grandchildren, Sierra and Rumi. Despite his busy career, he remained deeply committed to his family, ensuring they had love, guidance, and opportunity. His daughter, Komal Nash, recalled that he made certain they had every chance he never did, reflecting his values of compassion and education.
Education and Medical Career
Dr. Parma Nand pursued medicine at the University of the South Pacific and the University of Sydney, completing his MBBS. He sought highly specialized training abroad, completing fellowships at Freeman Hospital in the UK, Toronto General Hospital in Canada, and Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia. This extensive training helped him master adult cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, heart and lung transplants, and the implantation of ventricular assist devices.
Upon returning to New Zealand, he joined Auckland City Hospital and later also worked privately at MercyAscot Hospital. Over his more than 30-year career, he earned a reputation for technical excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and calm confidence in high-pressure surgical situations. His colleagues often spoke of his quiet leadership and his unwavering commitment to patient care.
Humanitarian Work and Contributions to Fiji
In 2006, Dr. Parma Nand founded the Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation NZ, an organization dedicated to providing free cardiac surgery and care to patients in Fiji. Through his leadership, teams of surgeons, nurses, and volunteers conducted 15 medical missions over nearly two decades. These missions delivered more than 770 surgical procedures and over 4,200 screening assessments, saving countless lives.
Dr. Nand emphasized sustainable development, mentoring Fijian surgeons and transferring skills to local teams. He wanted to ensure that Fiji could eventually provide advanced cardiac care independently. His humanitarian work was widely recognized and appreciated, with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister describing him as “a giant amongst surgeons” and a “true son of Fiji.”
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Parma Nand |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly documented |
| Age at Death | 64 years (passed away on 4 May 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Labasa, Fiji |
| Nationality | Fijian / New Zealand |
| Education | MBBS – University of the South Pacific, University of Sydney |
| Professional Training | Fellowships: Freeman Hospital (UK), Toronto General Hospital (Canada), Westmead Hospital (Australia) |
| Profession | Cardiothoracic Surgeon |
| Specialization | Cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, heart & lung transplants |
| Humanitarian Work | Founder of Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation NZ; medical missions in Fiji |
| Family | Three children (including 16-year-old twins), two grandchildren |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not publicly documented |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
| Notable Achievements | 15 medical missions in Fiji, over 770 surgeries, mentoring Fijian surgeons |
| Legacy | Promoting sustainable cardiac care in Fiji, scholarships for future surgeons |
Personal Traits and Reputation
Dr. Parma Nand was celebrated not only for his surgical skills but also for his humility, kindness, and dedication to others. He personally followed up with patients after surgery, often working long hours without recognition. Patients consistently praised him for his compassion, professionalism, and ability to make them feel safe and cared for during life-changing procedures.
Colleagues regarded him as a mentor, friend, and inspiration. He led by example, demonstrating that true leadership in medicine comes from service and empathy. Even with a demanding career, he prioritized family, community, and mentorship, leaving a lasting impact on both professional peers and patients.
Recognition and Legacy
Dr. Parma Nand work has left a profound and lasting legacy. He received widespread recognition from patients, colleagues, and political leaders. Many medical professionals continue to follow the standards he set, inspired by his dedication to both skill and compassion. Memorial initiatives, including proposed scholarships for Fijian surgeons, aim to carry forward his mission of sustainable healthcare in the Pacific.
His legacy extends beyond surgeries and technical achievements. Dr. Nand’s vision for empowering local medical professionals, combined with his hands-on humanitarian work, reflects a holistic approach to healthcare — one that integrates skill, mentorship, and community service.
End of Life and Memorial
Dr. Parma Nand passed away on 4 May 2025 in Auckland after a brief illness at the age of 64. His death was mourned by hundreds of people, including patients, colleagues, and community members in New Zealand and Fiji. His memorial service at the Swaminarayan Complex in South Auckland was a testament to his influence, bringing together a community united by admiration and gratitude for his life’s work.
Plans to establish a scholarship in his name aim to ensure that his commitment to education, mentorship, and sustainable healthcare continues. By training future Fijian surgeons, his family and colleagues hope to extend his impact for generations to come.
Personal Life and Private Details
While Dr. Parma Nand was a public figure in the medical world, he maintained a private personal life. Specific details like his height and net worth are not publicly documented, reflecting his humility and preference for privacy. He did not have a large social media presence, choosing instead to focus on his patients, family, and humanitarian work.
His personality, however, is vividly remembered — humble, kind, empathetic, and committed to making a difference. These qualities defined every aspect of his life, from his surgical work to his personal relationships and community service.
Conclusion
Dr. Parma Nand life is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and dedication. From humble beginnings in Fiji to becoming one of New Zealand’s most respected surgeons, he demonstrated that true impact comes from combining skill with empathy. His legacy continues through the lives he saved, the surgeons he mentored, and the community-focused medical initiatives he established. Dr. Nand’s story serves as an enduring inspiration, reminding us that one person’s dedication can profoundly change the world.
FAQs
Q: Who was Dr. Parma Nand?
A: Dr. Parma Nand was a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon from Fiji who worked in New Zealand and dedicated his life to saving patients’ lives and mentoring future doctors.
Q: What humanitarian work did Dr. Nand do?
A: He founded the Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation NZ and led medical missions performing heart surgeries and screenings for underserved communities in Fiji.
Q: How old was Dr. Parma Nand when he passed away?
A: He passed away at the age of 64 on 4 May 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Q: Did Dr. Nand have a family?
A: Yes, he is survived by three children, including 16-year-old twins, Thomas and William, and two grandchildren, Sierra and Rumi.
Q: What is Dr. Nand’s lasting legacy?
A: His legacy includes life-saving surgeries, mentoring Fijian surgeons, and establishing initiatives to provide sustainable cardiac care in the Pacific region.
