The increasing demand for services at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, the only psychiatric facility in the country, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu noted that St. Giles is one of Fiji’s oldest hospitals, having been operational since 1884.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized that as the number of patients—across all age groups—continues to grow, it puts significant pressure on the hospital’s infrastructure. The hospital has also faced numerous climatic and operational challenges, leading to considerable wear and tear on its facilities over the years.
In response to these challenges, the ministry is exploring partnerships with donor organizations to develop a new facility. This upgraded space would enable the hospital to introduce advanced treatment methods, thereby enhancing mental health services within the country.
The proposed new facility could facilitate expanded services in addiction treatment, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geropsychiatry, as well as specialized treatments including group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
The government is dedicated to improving mental health services in Fiji. Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that while St. Giles has the capacity to handle acute cases, there remains a gap in post-treatment support for substance abuse. The ministry is seeking collaboration with development partners to address these long-term treatment needs.
Overall, the ministry is working with development partners to enhance its capacity and ensure effective care for patients during both the acute phase and beyond.