This is the answer to Xavier Luc Duval’s main PNQ on the comparison between the number of deaths between November 2020 and November 2021. Initially addressed to the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, the question was answered by the Minister of Health, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal as it concerned his ministry and approved by the ministerial cabinet. The tone was raised on the unveiling by Xavier Luc Duval of a letter from the Ministry of Health to the French Embassy for requests for oxygen, respirators and reanimation seniors from Reunion.
970 versus 556
“From 1st November to 18th November 2020, the number of deaths was 556 and from 1st November to 18th November, 2021, the number of deaths is 970, that is, 414 more deaths”, said Dr Jagutpal. Although he admits that the death toll has been rising for the past two months, he draws attention to the fact that the death toll could have been more catastrophic if the imposed health measures were not put in place by the government such as the vaccination campaign, restrictions and the barrier measures. He compared Mauritius’ mortality rate of 0.047% with other countries and pointed out that the ageing population in Mauritius is significant. It is even considered as the country with the oldest population in Africa in terms of age and life expectancy. The country has 650 people per square kilometre and the mobility of the population is very dynamic.
Official Demand for oxygen, respirators and trainers in Reunion.
For the second part of the PNQ which concerned health measures and pandemic management, Dr Jagutpal specified that the restrictions and new health protocols such as the closure of schools, restrictions on events among other public activities. He highlighted the situation of care and risks taken in hospitals. He went on to talk about the management of the ENT Hospital and the supply of oxygen. It was at this point that the opposition leader brought out a letter that the Ministry of Health had sent to the French Embassy for an urgent request for a 12 ton Iso Tank that can hold 20 tons of oxygen and is 20 feet long, to meet the country’s oxygen needs, that is, 20 tons would cover the oxygen needs for two days. The letter even mentions that the Barracuda is ready to go to sea with a fully vaccinated crew of 30 persons. The other part of the letter concerns a loan of ten respirators with compressors to support the current situation. And thirdly, confirmation of the arrival of a senior resuscitator and a senior resuscitation nurse to train the ENT Hospital staff. Xavier Duval thus deducts that the country not as ready in this pandemic fight and that the government is being lying since.
The Minister replied that it was incorrect for the Opposition Leader to reveal the contents of this letter in the Parliament. He made it clear that Mauritius and France share a long history of collaboration and replied that this request for oxygen was made to beef up the “preparedness plan” to avoid an oxygen shortage in the face of the dynamic situation.
Physical Distancing in buses not necessary
The third part of the NQP was about those people who tested positive in hospitals and have to go home by bus and also physical distancing in the auto buses. The Minister replied that “Anyone can be tested positive in hospital but can remain asymptomatic because they are vaccinated. Given the vaccination situation in the country, social distancing in buses is no longer necessary”. It is thus clear that public transport will not see any more changes than announced on this Friday morning of the 19th. Social distancing will remain a lost battle for the public transport unions.
During his speech, Dr Jagutpal asked the Leader of the Opposition to put aside all politicking in this fight against Covid 19.
