Fiji is set to establish its first National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Centre, a crucial step in addressing the escalating substance abuse challenges in the nation. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive recovery services, with expectations of increased demand in the coming years.
The Ministry of Health is leading this initiative in partnership with various stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based groups, to construct a robust framework for treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration. This multi-million-dollar undertaking is supported by Quaker and will commence with a national consultancy under the Australia-Fiji Health Program, aimed at identifying current gaps in the drug rehabilitation landscape.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted that the consultancy will involve thorough analysis of drug use patterns across Fiji and engage multiple sectors to devise actionable recommendations for necessary reforms in policy, law, and operations. He anticipates that the South Korean National Assembly will grant final approval for the project’s development by December, with construction slated to take at least five years.
Once completed, the recovery centre will provide a variety of services, including clinical care, structured rehabilitation programs, training for healthcare professionals, and national awareness initiatives designed to support the reintegration of individuals confronting substance use disorders. Dr. Lalabalavu acknowledged the invaluable role of existing civil society organizations in delivering rehabilitation services and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with all relevant entities to strengthen these efforts.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to combat substance abuse in Fiji, resonating with previous advocacy from community leaders like Reverend Simione Tugi, who have called for the creation of more rehabilitation facilities to aid those affected by addiction.
The establishment of the National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Centre marks a significant milestone in Fiji’s strategy to tackle the substance abuse crisis. It aims to foster a rehabilitative environment that not only addresses addiction but also restores dignity and hope to individuals affected, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.