Fiji plans first drug rehabilitation hospital

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, has warned that Fiji’s only psychiatric hospital, St Giles, is struggling to cope with the rising number of drug-related patients, stating that the facility was “never built to handle drug addiction cases.”

Speaking in Parliament last Friday, Dr Lalabalavu revealed that the hospital is “inundated” with patients suffering from drug-induced psychosis and other mental health conditions triggered by substance abuse.

He said that while staff are doing their best to treat these patients, St Giles is operating far beyond its intended purpose as a psychiatric facility.

“We need a specific rehabilitation hospital just to look after drug users and help them recover,” Mr Lalabalavu said.

“Without treating the addiction itself, patients are discharged, relapse, and return — it becomes a continuous cycle that places a heavy burden on the hospital and its staff.”

Dr Lalabalvu told Parliament that land had already been identified for Fiji’s first dedicated drug rehabilitation hospital, with costings completed and discussions underway with development partners to fund its construction. 

He said the new facility will not only focus on drug recovery but will also help address related health concerns such as the growing number of HIV cases linked to drug use.

Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya supported the call for stronger rehabilitation efforts, questioning whether the existing facilities can manage the surge in drug-related admissions. He also urged that the ministry strengthen awareness programmes in schools to prevent youth involvement in drugs.

"I think the question is, are we able to cope with that at the moment at St Giles, or do we still need much more assistance to handle the growing number of drug," he said. 

Dr Lalabalavu acknowledged that the ministry cannot work alone, stressing the importance of collaboration with non-governmental organisations such as Medical Services Pasifika and the Salvation Army, which currently assist in providing counselling and post-treatment rehabilitation for recovering users.

Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate also raised concerns that the influx of drug patients was worsening Fiji’s mental health crisis. 

He questioned how the ministry was balancing the rising drug cases with other psychiatric needs. 

Dr Lalabalavu responded and agreed that the situation was difficult but assured Parliament that the Ministry is working closely with NGOs and community partners to manage the immediate pressure while preparing for long-term solutions.

He added that the Ministry is in talks with local advocates such as Drug Free World, led by Kalesi Volatabu, to expand community rehabilitation programmes and strengthen awareness.

“The truth is, St. Giles was meant to treat mental illness — not addiction,” Dr Lalabalavu said. “That’s why we must build a facility that focuses entirely on rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of drug use in our communities.”

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