The national government has been urged to urgently formulate a Bill that will address the safety and welfare of mentally ill-persons, while also protecting the general public.
Member of Parliament (MP) for South Georgia and Rendova Tetepare Constituency, Hon. David Gina issued the call in Parliament on Wednesday.
He highlighted the growing presence of mentally-ill individual roaming the streets in both urban and rural areas, posing risks to themselves, other people, and public property.
“There is a growing number of mentally ill persons on our streets. This is a serious concern not only for Honiara but for many provinces across the country. We must act now,” Hon. Gina told Parliament.
He said there is an urgent need to establish proper facilities to care for and manage individuals suffering from mental health conditions, particularly those who pose a danger to themselves or the public.
He stressed that the issue must be taken seriously, with a strong and structured legal approach to ensure proper care, monitoring, and rehabilitation.
Hon. Gina also noted with concern the increasing number of female individuals affected by mental illness, including many young people and those in the mature age group.
He emphasized that mental health should no longer be a neglected issue and urged for an inclusive national response.
“A specific Bill must be introduced and passed to safeguard these vulnerable individuals while ensuring public safety,” he said.
In 2023 for the first time in history the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has launched the Solomon Islands Mental Health Policy with the theme ‘Building Bridges for an Integrated Health Future.
The purpose theme focused on collective efforts in building these bridges encompass several crucial aspects: breaking down stigma, collaboration among stakeholders, integrated mental health into primary care, improving access to mental health services, enhancing mental health education and addressing systemic issues.
This follows the Solomon Islands National Mental Health Policy received endorsement from Cabinet on March 27, 2023 taking the first steps towards legislative reform
This came after from WHO, is actively developing drafting instructions to inform the Attorney General in crafting a Bill, which we anticipate will soon be presented before Parliament.
According to MHMS progress of mental health services in the nation has been very slow throughout the years up to this date.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
