Fiji is fortunate to have a sound legislative basis for mental health services - Akbar

The Minister for Health Rosy Akbar says Fiji is fortunate to have a sound legislative basis for mental health services in the form of Mental Act.

Akbar highlighted this today during the‘Creating Future Conference’ which was attended by mental health professionals, social services staff and other experts from across Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa in Novotel, Lami.

She says the Act sets out a range of principles for care, treatment and support of people with mental illnesses.

The Minister says that this also confirms Fiji’s adhere to international agreements and standards concerning the care and treatment of people with mental illness.

Akbar says St Giles hospital in Suva offers inpatient and outpatient care as well as actively engaging in the delivery of community-based mental health.

She says there are many in our community whose mental illnesses are well managed and who are contributing positively to the society as workers, students and parents.

Meanwhile, the Acting National Advisor on Mental Health, Kiran Gaikwad says there needs to be a lot of support for mental illnesses. Gaikwan says the common mental illness that exits in Fiji is basically mood disorders and psychotic disorders.