The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, proceeded, yesterday, with the inauguration of the Quartier Militaire Mediclinic, in the presence of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, and the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal.
The Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mr Nand Prakash Ramchurrun; the Member of Parliament, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden; and other eminent personalities were also present.
In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth recalled that the Quartier Militaire Mediclinic is the eighth mediclinic that is being inaugurated. He reiterated Government’s vision in making health services more accessible to the population as well as continuously providing quality health services to the citizens. He highlighted that Government is investing massively in health infrastructure, equipment and training of medical and paramedical staff since it has at heart the health and well-being of the population.
Speaking about the new mediclinic, the Head of Government underlined that it will offer an array of general services from 8 am to 9 pm and specialised services ranging from pediatry, gynecology, dermatology, psychiatry to general medecine. He announced that the mediclinic will be equipped with a modern Dialysis Centre as from January 2024. He further expressed gratitude to the UNDP for the donation of an Anti-epidemic Robot which, he said, will help in the training of medical staff, amongst others.
While highlighting Government’s determination to accelerate progress in the country, the Prime Minister recalled that new mediclinics will be constructed at Bel Air, Grand Bois, and Stanley as well as an Area Health Centre in Bambous.
He underlined that the previous budget had earmarked a sum of Rs 1,7 billion for the implementation of 50 new projects. He dwelt on some projects in the pipeline such as the construction of the New Eye Hospital in Réduit; the creation of a Health Hub in Côte D’Or which will comprise a new Cardiac Hospital, a laboratory and a warehouse aligned with international norms; and the AYUSH Centre of Excellence for traditional medicine. He further added that next year, the new Cancer Centre in Solferino will be inaugurated as well as the New Flacq Hospital Phase 1.
Appealing to the population to take care of their health by adopting healthy eating habits and practising regular physical activities, Prime Minister Jugnauth cautioned against the use of alcohol, cigarettes and excessive consumption of sugar and salt. According to him, each citizen has the moral obligation to implement an action plan for his health since Non-Communicable Diseases are on the rise.
As for Dr Jagutpal, he stated that a good health system rests on a strong base such as accessibility, modernity and robustness. He rejoiced that the new mediclinic will offer more specialised services to the inhabitants of the region such as adolescent health, screening and counselling.
He added that an Exercise Referral Scheme will be introduced where a Consultant will give advice to the patients as regards exercise. This Scheme, he informed, has been implemented by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with Active Mauritius and the Mauritius Sports Council. It is a way for people with long term conditions to improve their health and increase levels of physical activity, he said.
He also announced that the Ministry will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK National Health Service as regards improvement of health services.
Dr Jagutpal also recalled that statistics on the health status of the population are alarming, with 20% suffering from diabetes, 27% from hypertension, and 36,2% from obesity. He pointed out that 18,1% and 15,4% of the population consume alcohol and are cigarette smokers respectively.
He underlined that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has implemented several Action Plans on Non-Communicable Diseases, cancer, alcohol, cigarette smoking, dental health, sexual and reproductive health, breastfeeding, and elderly health in a bid to devise holistic, comprehensive care and treatment strategies for the benefit of all patients.
The Quartier Militaire Mediclinic
The construction of the Quartier Militaire Mediclinic forms part of the decentralisation of Health Region 3. It will target some 18,063 inhabitants and will cover localities such as Quartier Militaire, L’Esperance, Providence, Camp Thorel, and Saint Julien D’Hotman.
General and specialist services will be available. General services include: general consultation for common diseases and injuries; Non-Communicable Clinics; Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services; Preconception Clinic; Antenatal Care Clinic; Maternal and Child Health Care/Breastfeeding; Immunisation; and Dental Clinic. Specialist services comprise: General medicine; paediatric; obstetrics and gynecology; dermatology; diabetology; psychiatry; rheumatology; occupational medicine; and orthopaedic.
Support facilities will also be available such as the Haemodialysis Unit; the Diabetic Retinal Screening Unit; Harm Reduction Unit; Point of Care Testing; pharmacy; X-ray; community-based rehabilitation; exercise referral; and psychologist and dietician.
