Mental health, drug abuse drive increase in street homelessness - Kiran

The rising number of people living on the streets due to mental health challenges associated with drug abuse is alarming.

While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran says the problem continues to grow, and Saint Giles Hospital cannot accommodate the number of mental health cases reported to them.

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Kiran says some individuals living on the streets become aggressive because they are not receiving enough medication.

Kiran says Daulomani Home in Lautoka takes in people from the streets, including younger individuals.

She says these younger people have shelter where around 29 people can sleep, and they have also taken in seniors from the streets, bringing the total to another 40 to 50 people.

The Assistant Minister adds while the government is making efforts to address the issue, it requires a community-wide approach to support people, prevent drug abuse, and ensure timely access to assistance.