The St Giles Hospital is well-equipped to handle patients with substance abuse issues, according to Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health. Responding to inquiries from Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya in Parliament about the hospital’s readiness, Dr. Lalabalavu confirmed that they currently have the capacity to provide necessary care.
“Our technical team at St Giles has confirmed that we are equipped to manage these cases,” he stated. “At this moment, we are capable of addressing the acute phase of treatment.”
He also noted that support for substance abuse treatment is available in other hospitals, including CWM, and that various NGOs which receive funding through the Ministry of Health contribute to these efforts.
While affirming that the existing capacity is adequate for immediate care, Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted the importance of long-term treatment solutions. He mentioned that the ministry is in discussions with partner and donor organizations to explore the establishment of a new facility designed to enhance mental health services in the country.
This new facility would facilitate advancements in addiction treatment, psychiatry across different age groups, and specialties such as group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and geropsychiatry.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the government’s commitment to improving mental health services and addressing the needs of the population.