Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Myrielle Allen has highlighted a concerning trend regarding the rising admissions at St Giles Hospital in Suva, which calls for immediate attention. According to Dr. Allen, the hospital’s admissions are expected to surpass 1,000 by the end of the year, a significant increase from 886 last year and 570 in 2021. This surge points to underlying issues that need to be addressed, particularly in the realm of mental health and substance use.
Dr. Allen shared alarming statistics: 68 percent of patients are re-admitted, indicating that many individuals are struggling with relapses, while 32 percent are encountering mental health issues for the first time. Moreover, around 70 percent of the admissions are related to substance use, with the most commonly abused drugs including marijuana, methamphetamine, glue, and benzene. The issue is compounded by the fact that 57 young people tested positive for HIV within a year, emphasizing the urgent public health concerns tied to substance abuse.
The need for drug rehabilitation centers in Fiji is becoming increasingly urgent. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed plans to establish these centers, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Rajesh Maharaj from the Fiji College of General Practitioners, who has called the current drug situation a national emergency.
While discussions at a governmental level have begun, the challenge remains: will there be enough political will to effectively combat this crisis? Community voices have been advocating for the establishment of rehabilitation facilities for over three years, pushing for action beyond mere rhetoric. There has been some progress, as demonstrated by the involvement of representatives from The Foundation for a Drug Free World to discuss awareness programs and the establishment of professional rehabilitation facilities.
In light of these developments, there is a hopeful outlook that with sustained advocacy and commitment from both the government and community stakeholders, effective solutions can be implemented to address these pressing issues. The focus remains on taking decisive action to handle the increasing mental health and substance abuse challenges in Fiji, and time will reveal if the necessary steps will indeed be taken.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning healthcare policies with community needs and behaviors, making it essential that the voices advocating for change continue to be heard.
Leave a comment