Plans in place for rehab center for drug addicts

Plans in place for rehab center for drug addicts

By Pratika Mala
06/10/2018
Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar

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.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

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.

FEATURE NEWS
2025/2026 National Budget is for security, stability and the next generation - Tikoduadua
Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has shown his full support to the 2025/2026 National Budget and says that this budget is for security, stability a...
9 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Mumbai rain: Low-lying areas flooded, trains disrupted, schools, colleges closed
Continuous heavy rainfall in parts of Mumbai has led to flooding, especially in low-lying areas of the India’s financial capital. The flooding ...
13 minutes ago

Pillay says it's a candy budget - looks sweet and sounds generous, but once it's spent, nothing is left
This is not a developed budget it is a destructive one that is built not to improve everyday life, but to give with one hand and take back with the ...
9 hours ago

Kiran says more than 107,000 people set to benefit through key social welfare programs
More than 107,000 people are set to benefit from this National Budget through key social welfare programs like the Family Assistance Scheme, Social ...
9 hours ago

Sharma raises concerns over rising debt, youth struggles, and inconsistent economic policies
Opposition MP, Rinesh Sharma has criticized the 2025/2026 National Budget, raising concerns over rising debt levels, youth challenges with tertiary ...
9 hours ago

Taulepa grateful to make his grandfather proud mixing the kava for Tui Nayau installation
Saiasi Taulepa was emotional after the installation of Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as he was chosen from his family to mix the traditional ...
13 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Professor Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on the 2025/2026 National Budget.
7 days ago

Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
9 days ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
12 days ago

TOP