The Government, through the Ministry of Lands, has approved 15 hectares of land in Rangorango to support the development of mental health services in Vanuatu.

The announcement was made by Minister responsible for Health, Hon. John S. Tari Quetu (MP) in response to a question raised in Parliament by Hon. Marie-Louise Milne (MP)—the only woman currently serving in Parliament—who asked what the government is doing to address the country’s growing mental health issues.

Minister Qetu confirmed that the land will be used to build a mental health facility that can accommodate both patients and medical staff.

“We thank the government and the Minister of Lands, who brought this to the Council of Ministers (COM), where it was approved. The land at Rangorango will be used to build housing for nurses and doctors, and to support the treatment of people living with mental health issues,” he said.

He further explained that the Ministry of Health focuses on providing treatment, while the legal aspects relating to the rights of individuals with mental health conditions are being reviewed in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

“Our role at the Ministry of Health is focused on treatment. When people with mental health conditions are arrested by the Correctional Team, they must be treated fairly under the law, and have the right to pursue legal action if necessary,” Qetu said.
“Together with the Minister of Justice, we are reviewing the Mental Health Act to ensure it does not unfairly affect vulnerable individuals.”

The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening mental health services and legal protections for affected citizens.