The increasing demand for services at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, Fiji’s sole psychiatric facility, has underscored the urgent need for infrastructure enhancement. Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu noted that St. Giles Hospital, which has been operational since 1884, is one of the country’s oldest healthcare institutions.
Dr. Lalabalavu stated that the hospital is experiencing an uptick in patient numbers across all age groups, which places substantial pressure on its existing infrastructure. He explained that the facility has endured numerous climatic and operational challenges, resulting in significant wear over the years.
To address these challenges, the ministry has sought assistance from a partner and donor organization to explore the establishment of a new facility. This upgrade aims to enable the hospital to incorporate modern treatment methods, thereby enhancing mental health services in Fiji.
The proposed new facility would allow the hospital to expand its services to include addiction treatment, as well as child, adolescent, and geriatric psychiatry. Speciality services such as group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, recurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and geropsychiatry would also be offered.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the government’s commitment to improving mental health services in the country. He acknowledged that while St. Giles has the capacity to provide care, gaps remain in the treatment of substance abuse and follow-up care. The government, in collaboration with development partners, is focusing on enhancing the long-term treatment of substance abuse to address these deficiencies.