The increasing demand for services at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, the sole psychiatric facility in Fiji, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, Minister for Health and Medical Services, noted that St. Giles is one of the oldest hospitals in the nation, established in 1884.
Dr. Lalabalavu explained that the hospital is now treating more patients of various ages, leading to heightened pressure on its facilities. He pointed out that the hospital has faced numerous climatic and operational challenges, resulting in significant wear on its current infrastructure over the years.
To address these needs, the ministry has reached out to a partner and donor organization to explore funding for a new facility. This modern establishment would enable the hospital to incorporate advanced treatment methods, enhancing mental health services across the region.
A new facility would facilitate specialization in several areas, including addiction, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geropsychiatry, among others. This would also allow for the delivery of services such as group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, recurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing mental health care in Fiji and improving services for citizens. While St. Giles has the capacity to manage acute cases, he acknowledged that there are existing gaps in treatment for substance abuse. He reiterated that the government is actively engaging with development partners to enhance long-term treatment solutions for substance abuse issues.
The ministry, alongside its partners, is keenly analyzing the current capacity to provide effective care during the initial treatment phases.