PNG's Laloki Psychiatric Hospital Conducts Checks on Neglected Patients

​The management of Laloki Psychiatric Hospital is conducting thorough checks on patients who have been neglected over a nine-month period from 2023 to 2024. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Losavati Aisi revealed that a significant number of psychiatric detainees had not received attention during this time.

“We receive two to three court orders every two weeks from correctional institutions nationwide, as Laloki is the only specialist psychiatric hospital in the country,” Dr. Aisi explained. She added that they are currently reviewing files and coordinating with prisons to assess the status of these patients.

During Dr. Aisi’s absence, a court battle over management issues delayed proper attention to these patients. In May, a national court ruling reinstated the Directorate for Social Change and Mental Health Services' ownership of the hospital and allowed Dr. Aisi to resume her duties. Since then, she has been examining patient records to address any neglected cases and other issues that arose during her absence.

Dr. Aisi emphasized the importance of their agreement with the Departments of Correctional Services and Health. This agreement facilitates the psychiatric evaluation of inmates or convicts who are unable to respond during court proceedings. Those diagnosed with mental illness are referred to Laloki for treatment, while stable individuals remain at Bomana, the nearest prison. “We conduct weekly or fortnightly checks to identify any patients who may require treatment,” she said.

Felixie Namane, Assistant Commissioner for the Northern region of Correctional Services, highlighted the procedure for managing psychiatric detainees. He stated that prison commanding officers must liaise with provincial health authorities for the consultation and management of these patients. Properly trained authorities provide medical assessments, and if further treatment is required, a report is prepared for transfer to Laloki.

Namane further noted that psychiatric detainees are not guarded while receiving treatment, allowing specialists to perform their work. Bomana Prison has a separate facility to contain and manage psychiatric detainees, ensuring they do not mix with other inmates while on medication. The Correctional Services maintain detailed medical histories for these detainees, which are shared with Laloki Psychiatric Hospital for ongoing care.

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