The increased demand for services at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, Fiji’s sole psychiatric facility, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu noted that St. Giles is one of the oldest hospitals in the nation, having been operational since 1884.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized that the rising number of patients across all age groups creates significant pressure on the hospital’s infrastructure. He pointed out that the facility has endured numerous climatic and operational challenges over the years, leading to considerable wear and tear.
To address these challenges, the ministry is exploring partnerships with donor organizations to potentially establish a new facility. This new development aims to incorporate modern treatment methods, thereby enhancing mental health services in Fiji. A new facility would enable the hospital to expand into various areas including addiction treatment, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geropsychiatry. Services such as group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, recurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy would also be offered.
The government is committed to improving mental health services across the country. Dr. Lalabalavu indicated that while St. Giles has significant capacity, gaps remain in post-treatment approaches for substance abuse. The government is actively seeking collaboration with development partners to enhance long-term treatment solutions in this area. The ministry is focused on ensuring effective acute care and addressing the needs of patients appropriately.