Discussions have been taking place to build a much needed rehabilitation centre for people who have become addicted to hard drugs in the country.
There are worrying concerns on the availability and usage of drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana with many raids conducted by Police.
When questioned by Fijivillage, Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar says that discussions have been taking place but the whole project might take one to two years to materialize.
Akbar revealed this while visiting the patients of St Giles Hospital in Suva yesterday as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to raise mental health awareness.
She says as part the Ministry of Health’s plan for the coming years, a new place will be identified to relocate St Giles Hospital because of the worsening conditions of the facility. However this is still in the planning stages.
Akbar also highlighted that the Ministry in partnership with the World Health Organization has trained more than 700 nurses to identify and be able to treat patients who suffer from mental illnesses.
Akbar disclosed that there have been discussions to have a hospital in the Western Division that can cater to people who suffer from mental illnesses.
She says the initial plan is to retain and refurbish the Ba Mission Hospital for this purpose after a new facility has been built.
Akbar confirmed the project will be funded by the Fijian Government.
The Minister also says one in four adults as well as one in five young people suffer from some form of mental illness which accounts for 20 percent of Fiji’s population.
Meanwhile, relieving Acting Superintendent Dr Elizabeth Koroivuki says they treat 8 to 10 patients every month for drug related problems.
She highlighted that the most common drug people become addicted to is marijuana followed by methamphetamine. Glue, kerosene and benzine sniffing is also a concern.
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