The surge in demand for services at St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, Fiji’s sole psychiatric facility, has intensified the need for upgrades to its infrastructure. Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu noted that St. Giles, established in 1884, is one of the country’s oldest hospitals.
Dr. Lalabalavu explained that the hospital faces significant pressure due to a growing number of patients of all ages requiring care, treatment, and follow-up services. He emphasized that the facility has endured various climatic and operational challenges, resulting in substantial wear and tear on its current infrastructure.
To address these issues, the ministry has reached out to a partner organization for potential support in establishing a new facility. This development aims to enhance mental health services across the nation, allowing St. Giles to incorporate advanced treatment options, including addiction services, child and adolescent psychiatry, elder psychiatry, and specialized therapies such as group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, recurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and geropsychiatry.
The government remains dedicated to improving mental health services nationwide. Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that while St. Giles has the capacity to manage acute psychiatric needs, there are existing gaps in the treatment of substance abuse. To fill these gaps, the government is collaborating with development partners to enhance long-term treatment options for substance abuse and improve care following initial treatment phases.