MOU to Be Reviewed to Allow for Complex and Delicate Surgical Operations Be Undertaken in Mauritius

The Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Mr Anil Gayan, made the announcement yesterday at the Cardiac Centre in Pamplemousses after the successful surgery, in Mauritius, of a three-month old baby with multiple congenital anomalies.

The three-month infant, Mohammad Irshaad, was born with multiple congenital anomalies including heart and respiratory lesions, and a hole in the wall between the left and right ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart. The paediatric corrective surgery was undertaken by Professor Afksendiyos Kalangos, renowned expert in cardiac surgery, as well as a team of Indian doctors and Mauritian cardiologists on Thursday 18 February 2016.

Mr Gayan said he will make a plea with the Indian authorities for specialists, surgeons or other health professionals being despatched at short notice to Mauritius to carry out complex operations.

According to the Minister, this initiative will not only build the capacity of the local personnel by enhancing their knowledge and skills but will also enable a greater number of patients to benefit from treatment. "We have the competencies," added the Minister, "and with high level and in-depth training, Mauritius could become a centre of excellence and provide cutting edge medical care."

It is recalled that the Government has agreed to the Overseas Treatment Scheme, which grants financial assistance to patients requiring treatment overseas, being reviewed with a view of improving the delivery of complex surgical care to Mauritian patients.