Number of mentally ill patients on the rise, 269 new cases reported in NRH alone
BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
Cases of mentally ill patients are increasing in Solomon Islands, with experts warning that drug abuse and social issues are driving the trend.
Rex Maukera, Head of Psychiatry at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), said the hospital has recorded a total of 2,893 cases, including 269 new cases in 2024 alone.
He revealed that 25 percent of the cases are related to marijuana use, while others stem from stress disorders, natural disasters, family issues, unemployment, and missed opportunities.
“These records are from the National Referral Hospital alone. It is likely that there are high numbers of cases across the country that are not registered,” Maukera said.
He said the Psychiatry Department is working to collect more data to determine the actual number of cases nationwide, however, efforts are lagging behind due to limited support.
Maukera said mental health services also limited to National Referral Hospital and other urban centres.
He stressed that the immediate priority is to review the country’s Mental Treatment Act, which was enacted in 1970.
“Only the new Act will provide provisions to care for patients and also support provincial clinics to strengthen mental health services.
“It will also give direction to stakeholders on how to carry out their responsibilities,” Maukera said.
He described the existing law as outdated, saying it is one of the reasons why mental health services continue to face challenges and decline in quality.
When asked about Kilu’ufi Hospital, Maukera confirms that the facility still provides treatment for mentally ill patients but faces a shortage of health workers.
He said the NRH continues to refer major mental health cases to Kiluufi for treatment knowing very well that more referrals will put pressure on staffs on the ground.
Maukera said mental illness is a “multifactorial issue” that requires collaborative efforts across society to address.
He calls on the government and donor partners to support the review of the Mental Treatment Act.
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