Every time someone uses words like “ulukau”, they contribute to the stigma and shame that stop so many people from seeking treatment – PM

Every time someone uses words like “ulukau”, “nut”, or “pagala”, they contribute to the stigmatization and shame that stop so many Fijians from seeking mental health treatment.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made these comments while commissioning the newly refurbished Female Ward and Administration Building at Saint Giles Hospital.

The Prime Minister says he wants to remind Fijians of the toxic stigma, shame and bullying that still surrounds the area of mental health.

He says they will commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day and challenges everyone to reflect on the burden of mental illness and suicide in Fiji.

Bainimarama says whether it is the devastation wreaked by a category 5 severe Tropical Cyclone or a once in a century pandemic, losing a loved one or being let go from a job there are only too many tragedies that can disrupt our physical and social well being and cause an illness of the mind.

He adds addressing mental health illness in Fiji requires combined efforts, Government machinery together with the community through avenues such as civil society and youth led advocacies.

Bainimarama also says the new Administration Building used to be the old Medical Superintendent Staff quarters, and now houses the doctors' on-call room, a mini conference room, hospital registry and the staff pantry.

He says the Saint Giles Hospital currently caters to 132 inpatients.

Bainimarama also says the hospital’s $1 million upgrade has seen a deteriorating building converted into a 13 bed unit for female patients who are transitioning to go home for short term leave or who are being discharged from inpatient care.

In the 2022/2023 national budget, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been allocated a total of $395.1 million, which includes funding to upgrade the Labasa, Savusavu and CWM Hospitals.

The Prime Minister says $100,000 has been specifically allocated to support vulnerable women and men that have been forced to live on the streets due to mental illness.