The increasing demand for services at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, which is the only psychiatric facility in Fiji, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, noted that St. Giles Hospital, operational since 1884, is one of the oldest hospitals in the country.
Dr. Lalabalavu pointed out that the rising number of patients across various age groups seeking treatment and follow-up care places a substantial strain on the hospital’s infrastructure. He also emphasized that the facility has withstood numerous climatic and operational challenges, resulting in significant wear and tear on its current infrastructure.
In light of these challenges, the ministry has reached out to a partner organization and donor agency to explore the possibility of establishing a new facility. This new center would enable the hospital to incorporate advanced treatment methods and enhance mental health services within the nation.
The proposed facility would expand the hospital’s capabilities to include areas such as addiction treatment, psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and geropsychiatry. It would also offer specialized services like group therapy, psychodrama, lithium level testing, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
The government remains dedicated to advancing mental health care in the country and enhancing services for the community. Dr. Lalabalavu acknowledged that while St. Giles has the potential to manage acute cases, there still exist gaps in treatment and support for individuals dealing with substance abuse. The government is working with development partners to address these long-term treatment needs. The ministry, along with its partners, is focused on improving its capacity to manage acute cases and provide appropriate treatment.