The increasing demand for services at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, Fiji’s only psychiatric facility, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu stated that St. Giles is one of the oldest hospitals in the country, having been operational since 1884.
He noted that the surge in service requests, alongside an increasing number of patients across all age groups engaging with the hospital, has put significant strain on its existing infrastructure. Dr. Lalabalavu remarked that the facility has endured numerous climatic and operational challenges, leading to considerable wear and tear over the years.
To address these issues, the ministry has reached out to a partner and donor organization to explore the possibility of establishing a new facility. This initiative aims to adopt modern treatment methods and enhance mental health services in Fiji.
The proposed new facility would enable the hospital to expand its offerings in areas such as addiction treatment, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry. It would also facilitate specialized services including group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Dr. Lalabalavu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving mental health services across the nation. He acknowledged that while St. Giles is capable of providing acute care, there are still significant gaps in follow-up treatment for substance abuse. The government is actively seeking support from development partners to enhance these long-term treatment options.
The ministry, in collaboration with its development partners, is working towards building the necessary capacity to manage acute psychiatric cases and provide appropriate care.