🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
Health Ministry seeks foreign specialists to address local skill gaps and reduce overseas patient transfers
via Le Mauricien4 min read
The Ministry of Health is recruiting foreign medical specialists for short-term international missions to provide highly specialized clinical services, facilitate knowledge transfer, enhance local healthcare professionals' capabilities, and reduce costs associated with sending patients abroad for treatment. This initiative was announced by Minister Anil Bachoo in response to an inquiry from Rubna Daureeawo. The ministry has signed agreements with private health institutions in India for patient care abroad for surgeries not possible in Mauritius, training for local professionals, and visits from consultants for complex surgeries. The ministry covers airfare, accommodation, and travel expenses for these arrangements. Many Mauritian doctors living abroad also return to offer pro bono services, with the ministry covering only airfare. Additionally, highly specialized doctors from the UK, South Africa, Australia, France, and the US perform complex surgeries in Mauritius. Examples include Dr. Rittoo, a British vascular surgeon who visits every two months and has operated on about 100 patients, and Professor Patrick Yu and Cynthia Yu from the UK, who conduct glaucoma screenings. Dr. Heerani Woodun and Dr. Shailinder Singh are also in the country for pediatric oncology surgery. Dr. Vinay Kumar, an Indian vascular surgeon, handles complex cases, and Dr. Jeena Joseph Rosemary, an Indian oncology surgeon, arrived to perform complex procedures at the National Cancer Centre. In January 2
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced that six new airlines have obtained air traffic rights to operate commercial flights to Mauritius. These include World2Fly Spain, ITA Airways Italy, IndiGo India, Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopia, Airlink South Africa, and Cobra Aviation South Africa. Ethiopian Airlines recently conducted its inaugural flight. The Prime Minister explained that before an airline can operate international services, the government must negotiate a bilateral air services agreement with the destination country. These agreements define conditions such as traffic rights, capacity, airline designation, tariffs, and provisions for competition policy, safety, and security. Mauritius currently has bilateral air services agreements with 60 countries, with 35 already signed. Additionally, Mauritius has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on air services with Dubai and three Codeshare Agreements with Canada, Chile, and Japan. Foreign airlines designated under these agreements must submit applications for regular commercial flights for the Northern Hemisphere's summer and winter seasons. The government is pursuing a policy of progressive liberalization of air access through these bilateral agreements, aiming to strengthen air connectivity while ensuring fair opportunities for the development and growth of the national carrier, Air Mauritius Ltd.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced in the National Assembly that Mauritius recorded 1,560 drug-related cases and seizures valued at Rs 1.3 billion between January and July 8, 2026. He emphasized that combating drug trafficking remains a government priority. Law enforcement has intensified operations, conducting 90 patrols in high-risk areas in June alone. The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU is receiving increased staffing and equipment, and is collaborating with the Financial Crimes Commission to dismantle trafficking networks. A new radar surveillance system for coastal areas, funded by the Japanese government, is expected to be operational by December to enhance detection of maritime trafficking. The Mauritius Revenue Authority is also strengthening controls at ports and airports with new equipment and increased surveillance. Additionally, the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030 outlines a comprehensive approach involving repression, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, in partnership with various ministries and international organizations.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Sarah Troutman is visiting Mauritius this week to enhance trade relations and explore new opportunities for exchanges, investments, and business partnerships. During her visit, she will witness Mauritius's signing of the Artemis Accords, joining the US and 69 other nations in a framework for peaceful and responsible space cooperation. She will also attend the signing of an Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement to bolster logistics cooperation between the US and Mauritius in security, disaster management, and humanitarian aid. Troutman will join the President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, at the construction site of the future US Embassy in Bagatelle for a ceremony marking the completion of the public reception building's structure. This new embassy signifies a 100-year investment in Mauritius and reflects the enduring partnership between the two countries. Discussions during the visit will also cover preparations for the US-Africa Business Summit, which Mauritius will host from December 6 to 9 this year. The summit will bring together government officials, business leaders, and investors from the US and Africa to foster economic partnerships and promote growth. Troutman's visit underscores the US's ongoing commitment to deepening commercial cooperation with Mauritius and supporting a dynamic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic relationship.