Psychiatric Patients Relapse Due to Stigma, Discrimination
“This is a challenge faced within the community on how they accept them and look after them,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
Friday 29 December 2023 | 14:31
The lack of community support and stigma for patients suffering from substance abuse after rehabilitation is concerning, says Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.
Dr Lalabalavu said the stigma and discrimination in our communities continue to be the cause of patients re-admission.
“This is a challenge faced within the community on how they accept them and look after them,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
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Dr Lalabalavu was not sure about the data, but said relapses do occur when patients were shunned from their families and communities.
He said while necessary treatment and facilities were available, curbing the issue of drugs and substances abuse need an entire approach from society.
“This year, St Giles Hospital recorded a surging number of 7500 patients with a significant cases related to substance abuse.”
The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu. Photo: Leon Lord
St Giles Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Balram Pandit said this was one of the highest records of admissions by the hospital.
Dr Pandit said in 2013, the total admissions for that year were 4500 but this year, admissions crossed the border of 7500 and were expected to increase to 8500 admissions by the end of this year.
He said in recent years, at least five to 10 admissions in relation to substance abuse were done daily but that hasdmore than doubled now.
“We’re noticing those with existing mental issue, their relapse has increased.
“When they take medications, it is not effective.”
Dr Pandit added with the increasing numbers, children as young as 14 to 16 were part of the statistic, which was concerning.
Meanwhile, the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (SAAC) between 2019 and 2022, recorded 2355 drug and alcohol-related cases reported in primary schools while 5933 cases were recorded in secondary schools.
Dr Pandit said providing the much-needed services to these patients was a challenge and called for more support staff to cater to help respond to the numbers.
“Everything is getting complex, even our workplace is getting challenging,” he said.
“At times there is a lack of staff and admissions are ever increasing, there aren’t enough capable staff to cater for that,” Dr Balram said.
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