Good news for people in Labasa as government has approved the funding of $7,222,547.06 for the refurbishment works for Labasa hospital which once completed, will serve the people of the Northern division in supporting their mental health and wellness.
Minister for Health, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted this at the official ground breaking ceremony for the Labasa Hospital’s new Stress Ward and the refurbishment and upgrading of the operating theatres as well as the admission wards at the hospital.
Dr Lalabalavu says the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a heavy mental health burden on people, and this has been evident in the gradual increase they have noticed in patients accessing mental health care services.
He also says the St Giles Hospital has reported an increase in the number of outpatient visits post COVID.
Prior to the pandemic, the hospital would normally attend to about 40 patients daily with 45 admissions a month.
He adds from 2022, some 60 patients are now seen daily, and with 75 patients admitted per month at the hospital.
The Minister says this increase is a reflection of the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions in our communities.
He adds in their effort to raise awareness on this issue since COVID-19, a ‘mental health month’ was launched by the Ministry of Health in September last year where health workers conducted community outreach activities and spoke to people about coping with stress. Dr Lalabalavu further adds this effort will continue, and it is now more important than ever for health workers in the country and all members of the community to be aware of, advocate for, and make positive contribution and care for our people’s mental well-being.
He says the project will also include the refurbishment and upgrade of the critical service areas of the Labasa hospital such as the General Outpatient Department, Children’s Ward, Operation Theater and Men’s Surgical Ward.
This upgrade is crucial as Labasa Hospital serves as the main referral urban hospital in the Northern Division which caters for three sub-divisional hospitals, 19 health centres and 21 nursing stations.
He says the health infrastructure has suffered from many years of neglect, and the dedicated health care workers have encountered many challenging circumstances to deliver health care services to the people.
The Minister adds the hospital have in place a plan to deliver its services from alternative sites, utilising the capabilities of the sub-divisional hospitals at Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Taveuni.
He says if the peoples’ confidence in Fiji’s health care system and in their local health facility is high, they are more likely to seek health care earlier which can lead to earlier treatment, recovery and care, and increased productivity in our communities.
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