Fiji’s mental health system faces a shortage of mental health experts

The lack of technical people in respective fields is one of the biggest barriers to accessing mental health services under normal circumstances.

This was highlighted by St. Giles Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr. Sheetal Singh during a panel discussion for World Mental Health Day celebration at the FNU Pasifika Campus.

She says St. Giles is currently functioning with a counselor.

Dr Singh emphasizes that due to the unavailability of psychotherapists and psychologists, they are unable to address individual conditions, highlighting the importance of skilled individuals.

Dr. Singh further emphasizes that a barrier to accessing mental health services is mental health perception and the mindset, adding that mental health is often seen as an illness, making it difficult to create awareness and talk to individuals, educating them what mental health.

She adds that they are doing prescriptions of medication, along with whatever the clinicians have been trained in their school progress mentored by psychiatrists, adding whatever they learn, they practice on patients.

She highlights that another barrier is the infrastructure that is nursing mental health patients of all ages under the same roof, compared to international practices where they have separate wards for kids, addiction, and psychotherapy.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Minister of Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu says the overall number of counselors within the committee is something that still requires improvement.

He adds that the ministry is ensuring there is a good number of counselors within the departments, adding that the ministry also looks at the medical aspect of treatment for psychiatry and mental health.

Meanwhile, Empower Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Morgem says the major challenge NGO’s face is people not being able to access the services provided, adding that many people also do not know where the services are available.

He highlights that Empower Pacific roughly receives 270 calls a month for counseling, emphasizing that more people need to step forward, talk to someone, and seek assistance.

Members of the public who need support can contact Empower Pacific on their toll-free helpline at 5626.