Pravind Jugnauth was present at the inauguration of a Mediclinic in Coromandel on Monday. In his speech, the Head of Government said that since 2014, the budget of the health sector has increased by 60%. He explained that the budget has gone from Rs 9.2 billion to Rs 15 billion every year. Pravind Jugnauth says that every year his government spends Rs 15 billion on projects, personnel services, and medicines.
Pravind Jugnauth also asked the population to engage in physical activities. He said he is frightened to see what Mauritians consume every day. For him, one should not neglect his health. He asked Mauritians to limit the consumption of alcohol, cigars and drugs. “It is frightening to see the number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases,” he said. Pravind Jugnauth also clarified things about medical cannabis. He wanted to clear up any confusion. “The use of cannabis is illegal. But some substances in cannabis can be used for treatment. However, medical prescriptions are required,” he said.
Prime Minister Jugnauth added that this newly built facility with modern equipment will help to decentralise the services offered at the hospital by providing free medical, nursing, dispensary, and support services at regional level. He also seized this opportunity to appeal to the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to take advantage of the numerous sports facilities put at their disposal across the country, as well as to eat healthy and refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking drugs.
The Prime Minister further elaborated on various achievements and new projects in the pipeline regarding the health sector. These include: a new Cancer Centre with modern equipment to be completed in October this year; the construction of a new Flacq Hospital and a new eye hospital in Moka; the construction of four additional mediclinics; the renovation of the Victoria Hospital in Candos; the construction of three Community Health Centres; the construction of Day Care Centres for autistic children; a new cardiac centre in Côte d’Or; the construction of a modern Central Laboratory; and the construction of a modern Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy hospital.
