𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄

𝗡𝗥𝗛 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀.

A distressing incident that shocked the Honiara public last week, an inhuman killing of a mentally ill young man, raises critical questions about the government's responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

The young man who was known to have been suffering from mental health issues, was reportedly seen around the hospital’s psychiatric unit at the National Referal Hospital (NRH) seeking medication. That was the last.

Police investigations into his death are currently underway.

This tragedy not only reflects a failure to provide adequate mental health care but also underscores the urgent need for substantial reforms in the country's mental health system.

Mental illness is a global concern that transcends borders, affecting individuals and families in every community. The Solomon Islands are no exception _just go out to Honiara streets or the provincial urban centers and see for yourself.

There used to be a National Psychiatric Centre, built in 1977 at Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki, Malaita Province, now non-operational about a decade ago.

Questions have also been raised on how the government is dealing with this particular issue during the upcoming Pacific Games in two weeks' time.

While the circumstances leading to the young man's tragic end remain under investigation, we must not lose sight of the broader systemic issues that have contributed to this devastating event.

One of the most glaring problems is the lack of proper accommodation and treatment facilities for those suffering from mental illness. His story is not unique in the Solomon Islands. Many mentally ill individuals end up on the streets, without access to proper care, medication, or safe environments in which they can recover. In this vacuum of care, the suffering and the risk to both individuals and the community at large are exacerbated.

The Solomon Islands government has a fundamental duty to ensure that all its citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable, receive the care and support they need. This means implementing a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health that includes accessible treatment facilities, mental health awareness programs, and training for healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, the government must work to destigmatize mental illness. Public awareness campaigns can go a long way in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health, making it easier for those who need help to come forward without fear of discrimination or mistreatment.

It is not only the responsibility of the government but also the entire community to look out for one another. The recent tragic incident calls for an urgent, collective response to ensure that mentally ill individuals are not left to suffer and that their needs are addressed promptly and with the care and empathy they deserve.

In the young man's memory and countless others who have faced similar fates, let us use this tragedy as a catalyst for change. Mental health reforms and a more compassionate approach to mental illness are not only long overdue but are also crucial to building a safer and more caring society for everyone in the Solomon Islands.

It's time to act and ensure that no more lives are lost due to the lack of mental health support and accommodation.

While justice for the young man must be served to his perpetrators, it must be noted that these young perpetrators were only the victims of the greater failure of the national government to build proper psychiatric centers for these people with special needs.

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