By Katalina Siasau
Tonga urgently needs an illicit drugs rehabilitation centre due to the rising number of drug users, said Head Psychiatrist Dr. Mapa Puloka and counsellor Mele Prescott at the National Development Summit session on “Security and Illicit Drugs” at Fa'onelua Convention Centre. "Previous governments have been asked for this," said Dr. Puloka.
At Vaiola Hospital's psychiatric ward, Dr. Mapa Puloka reports that 40% of monthly admissions are drug related. He worries this indicates a growing normalization of drug abuse in Tonga and is also concerned about the staff shortage at the ward.
Dr. Puloka proposed building an Illicit Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Nuku’alofa, using unused buildings for this essential facility. Dr. Puloka emphasized that previous governments have been asked to address this need, and urged the Prime Minister to take immediate action.
Response to addiction
Salvation Army counsellor Mele Prescott questioned the response to addiction, particularly for women and children facing violence due to drugs, and community safety.
“What are we doing with those that are experiencing addiction? What are we doing towards women and children experiencing violence because of involvement of drugs? What are we going [to do] to help our communities in terms of safety, and security?”
She urged the current government to convert unused buildings into rehab centers, stressing the need for immediate action.
“We are hoping that this government can take action!”
The Salvation Army centre in Tonga, with a staff of four, handled 129 cases between January and late February, a rising number. Prescott requested police patrols for safety and security and asked the government for drug test support.
The Salvation Army is rehabilitating many court-referred drug users and overseeing referrals from Vaiola Hospital's psychiatric ward.
The Security and Illicit Drugs panel included Commissioner Semisi Tapueluelu, Vanessa Heleta from Talitha Project, and Maxy Koloamatangi from the Bible Society of the Pacific Tonga. Crown Prince HRH Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, the Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, and Cabinet Ministers attended the session. The NDS will conclude on 21 March, at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre.
