A Huátolitoli prisoner has died from suicide according to Prime Minister Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke who announced this during a press conference yesterday.
Eke confirmed that the prisoner had been admitted to Vaiola Hospital on Tuesday, but officials have not disclosed whether he had been discharged before his death. No further details have been released, and the inmate has not been identified.
In response to the incident, the Cabinet has decided to establish a unit focused on psychiatric matters, with funding set to be included in the upcoming budget in July.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi added that a government committee will address the issue and by visiting prisons across the country to ensure international conventions on the treatment of prisoners are maintained.
The prison’s psychiatric care works with the Vaiola Hospital Psychiatric Ward. Last year, a psychiatric nurse was fatally attacked by a patient.
No official statement has been released by police or prison authorities regarding the incident.
