Fijian Prime Minister officiates at opening of the Drug and Alcohol Unit, St. Giles Hospital

Empathy and not passing judgement when our friends and neighbours are trying to heal will go a long way, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

As he officiated at the inauguration of the Drug and Alcohol Unit at Saint Giles Hospital today, Prime Minister Bainimarama said, “And rather than perpetuating hurtful stereotypes and stigmas about mental health conditions, we must recognise them with compassion”.

The Head of Government said while the unit is the first of its kind in a Fijian hospital, but it won’t be the last as the Government has its eyes set on opening similar addiction and rehabilitation centres at each of our regional hospitals.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Service, Hon. Jone Usamate and Minister for Health and Medical Service, Hon. Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete both accompanied the Prime Minister during his tour.