The Association of Internal Medicine, aiming to facilitate the sharing of best practices and ensure the provision of high-quality care to every patient was launched, on Saturday 04 November 2023, at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis. The Association brings together some 50 internal medicine doctors from the public health sector and 19 from private clinics.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the President of the Association of Internal Medicine, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Gunesh; the General Secretary of the Association, Dr Roupesh Jagesshar; and other personalities were present.
In his address, Dr Jagutpal said that the field of internal medicine is at the heart of healthcare, addressing a wide array of diseases and disorders that affect adults ranging from cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, diabetology, and hepatology.
The establishment of the Association, with internal medicine doctors from the public health sector and from private clinics, marks a crucial step forward in the collective efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare services and improve patient outcomes, the Health Minister pointed out.
Speaking on non-communicable diseases, he indicated that 19% of the population suffers from diabetes, 16% are prediabetics while 36% suffer from hypertension. Mauritius, he added is experiencing an ageing population and life expectancy is rising, which necessitates internal medicine specialists to carry out more prevention and early screening and regular monitoring of patients.
He also enumerated Governmental measures to cater to the elderly population including the: launching of the Integrated Care for Older People Strategic Plan; introduction of a ‘Carnet de Santé’; and setting up of Geriatric Units in each regional hospital as well as an Early Dementia Diagnosis Clinic.
The Minister underlined the need for internists to continuously update skills to incorporate new diagnostic tools, treatments, and therapies and to stay abreast of cutting-edge technologies into an era marked by technological advancements and evolving healthcare needs.
Dr Jagutpal expressed belief that the Association of Internal Medicine will serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among medical professionals. Through research, education and advocacy, the association will empower its members to stay abreast of the latest developments in medical science, he underscored.
