Western Province Health and Medical Services (WPHMS) plans to secure a land in Gizo to establish a facility for people living with mental illness.
This comes as cases in the province continue to rise at an alarming rate.
Provincial Health Director, Dr. Dickson Boara, told the Solomon Star in an interview that the idea has been a long-time vision, but the growing number of cases now makes it a pressing issue for the Western Provincial Government (WPG) to consider.
Dr Boara said that in fact the case of growing number of mentally illness people is real and critical collaboration effort between key stakeholders and other service providers to tackle this issue.
‘’We did not have any land here for hospital but it is the WPG to consider this issue whilst trying to secure land for the mentally ill people,’’ he said.
With that all the cases are presented and there is a serious need to address this long standing issue, he added.
Mental Health Coordinator and Registered Nurse, Michael Lialognono, confirmed that ongoing discussions and negotiations are taking place between provincial health authority and the WPG.
“Once this matter is met and the province agrees to secure land, it will be possible for Western Province to have a facility for mentally ill persons, similar to the one at Kilufi in Malaita Province,” Lialognono explained.
He highlighted that about 400 patients visit the Mental Health Unit at Gizo Hospital each year, which reflects a significant increase compared to previous years.
“On average, three to four new cases are reported weekly, and most victims are young people between the ages of 15 and 35,” he added.
Health officials say establishing a specialized facility will not only ease the burden on the Gizo Hospital but also provide a safe and supportive space for treatment and recovery of mentally ill persons in the province.
In Honiara there of National Referral Hospital records 2,893 outpatient visits at its mental health clinic in 2024, underscoring the mounting demand for mental health services nationwide.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
