The Medical Superintendent of St. Giles Hospital Dr. Peni Biukoto said the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons did not raise the issue of the schizophrenic woman who was kept in appalling conditions in a shed for years with the Saint Giles hospital.
Dr Biukoto said the first time they heard of the woman was from emails sent from the Health Ministry Head Quarters in response to queries by TVNZ.
Dr Biukoto said she received assessment and treatment in the past and she is currently receiving another assessment by doctors.
He said in general, awareness of illness in the community by health care providers depends on patient or family members seeking help and screening programs by health providers.
He said in the absence of patient and family seeking help, a screening practice will detect cases.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons Dr Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa said the schizophrenic woman was refused initial treatment by St Giles Hospital.
Dr Yanuyanutawa said this situation has therefore left everyone in a dilemma.
He said a case like Schizophrenia needs specialized treatment that is offered by the St Giles Hospital.
Dr Yanuyanutawa confirms that according to reports from a community based rehabilitation officer in Nadi, the woman’s only primary caregiver is her elderly father who is also a widower.
Dr Yanuyanutawa said based on the officers assessment he does not receive much help from other family members.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa & Gwen McGoon
