The increasing demand for services at St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, Fiji’s only psychiatric facility, has led to a pressing need for infrastructure upgrades. Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted that St. Giles is one of the oldest hospitals in the country, having been established in 1884.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted, “As the number of patients of all ages rises, the demands placed on the hospital’s infrastructure have significantly increased.” He added that the hospital has faced numerous climatic and operational challenges, resulting in considerable wear and tear on its facilities over the years.
To address these issues, the ministry has sought assistance from a partner and donor organization to support the development of a new facility. This new space would introduce modern treatment methods and enhance mental health services across the nation.
The proposed facility would allow the hospital to expand its services into areas such as addiction treatment, psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geriatrics. It would also provide specialized therapies including group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, recurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and geropsychiatry.
Dr. Lalabalavu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving mental health services in Fiji. He acknowledged that while St. Giles has the capacity to treat patients during their acute phases, there remain gaps in post-treatment care for substance abuse. The government aims to address this through partnerships with various development organizations to enhance long-term treatment options for substance-related issues. The ministry continues to explore ways to boost capacity for mental health care.