The Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, has highlighted the significant deterioration of St Giles Hospital’s infrastructure over the years. Speaking in Parliament, he noted that the hospital, which has been operational since 1884, has faced numerous climatic and operational challenges that have affected its structure.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized that the hospital is experiencing increasing service demands, treating a diverse range of patients, including those with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions, substance abuse issues, and forensic psychiatric cases. This has placed substantial pressure on the hospital’s infrastructure.
He acknowledged that past infrastructure improvements were made to accommodate changing patient demographics. In the last two years, the ministry has collaborated with development partners to enhance facilities, including renovations to the Women’s Ward, Moala Ward, and the administration building.
A major recent project involved resurfacing the internal roads and parking areas at a cost of over $235,000, addressing long-standing issues that had caused discomfort for patients and damage to vehicles. Earlier this year, the ministry also erected a new fence behind the men’s ward, costing approximately $13,000, to enhance security for admissions.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned ongoing efforts to secure partnerships and donor support for a new facility aimed at introducing advanced treatment methodologies, thereby improving mental health services in Fiji.