Next week, the Fijian Cabinet will deliberate on a proposal from Drug-Free World International for a partnership aimed at establishing a new Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Fiji and the Pacific. Penioni Ravunawa, the Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, confirmed this after receiving the proposal at the Ministry of Health in Suva.
Ravunawa expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “Hopefully, we can get this off the ground. It’s good for Fiji.” He emphasized the urgent need for all stakeholders to come together in the fight against drug abuse, particularly as the issue heavily impacts the country’s younger population. The Assistant Minister noted that the current lack of a dedicated rehabilitation center makes it difficult to address the effects of illicit drugs on vulnerable individuals. Currently, St Giles Hospital primarily focuses on mental health rather than substance abuse.
This proposal aligns with calls from figures like Reverend Simione Tugi, president of the Fiji Council of Churches. Tugi has previously highlighted the dire need for such facilities, noting that rising drug addiction issues are contributing to increased crime and social challenges in Fiji. He has been working with Drug Free World to raise awareness of these issues, emphasizing the establishment of a rehabilitation center as a significant step forward in restoring lives affected by addiction.
The potential establishment of this centre represents a significant advancement in Fiji’s approach to drug rehabilitation, promoting recovery initiatives that could lead to transformative outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
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