THE Government should invest in decentralising and integrating mental health services into communities
Speaking during World Mental Health Day commemorations earlier this week, Director of Nursing at St Giles Hospital, Miliakere Nasorovakawalu, stressed that mental health services need to evolve over the next five years to meet the changing needs of Fijian communities.
“We need to align ourselves with the SDG 2017 and also with the national development plan,” she said.
“I know with the international commitment that we have, we also have the WHO. But it’s also more important that we contextualise.”
She highlighted key national issues tied to mental health, including the link between mental health and HIV, and the ongoing concern of suicide in Fiji.
“When we look at the structure, women, wives, and parents that are here, we would like the Government would like mental health services to be decentralised.”
Ms Nasorovakawalu referred to earlier efforts in strengthening mental health capacity in the country.
Between 2014 and 2020, Fiji trained 1000 general healthcare practitioners in mental health care as part of its commitment to the Pacific Island Network.
However, she said more needed to be done.
“There needs to be a push for the integration of mental health into the community.
“For example, we are ready. St Giles has a community mental health team.
“The issue is out there in the community. We need to do a lot of rehabilitation. We need to work together as a team, not working inside.”
