The Health Ministry has signed a Record of Discussions with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to establish Fiji's first National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Centre in Tamavua.
Permanent Secretary for Health Dr Aalisha Sahukhan says for too long, families have faced substance use challenges without a dedicated nationwide rehabilitation centre.
She says while the team at St Giles Hospital does important work every day, they do not have the space, specific resources or specialised facilities to run a full-scale rehabilitation programme.
Dr Sahukhan says the new centre in Tamavua will address these challenges.
She adds that the project will be supported by a US$10 million grant over six years from the Republic of Korea through KOICA.
The facility will provide advanced medical equipment and specialised healthcare training.
The Permanent Secretary says this will help extend rehabilitation services to more communities, including those in remote maritime and rural areas.
Dr Sahukhan has also acknowledged KOICA Country Director Han Kyul Sam Cho and her team for their continued partnership, saying they are working together to build a place of hope, healing and second chances.
