New Acute Care of the Elderly Ward Opens at SSRN Hospital to Strengthen Geriatric Healthcare Services

In an endeavour to modernise the healthcare system, an Acute Care of the Elderly Ward, designed to provide interdisciplinary, geriatric-focused care, was inaugurated today at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National (SSRN) Hospital, in Pamplemousses. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, was present.

The Standard Operating Procedures Booklet, outlining comprehensive procedures and protocols in accordance with the World Health Organisation was launched on that occasion.

The Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; Members of the National Assembly; and the Regional Health Director, Dr H. Reesaul, were also in attendance at the inaugural event.

In his address, Minister Bachoo, reiterated that the Government places the well-being and protection of the elderly at the forefront of its priorities. He emphasised that the Government Programme 2025–2029 prioritises the enhancement of social protection mechanisms and the modernisation of geriatric healthcare services.

The Minister also highlighted the current demographic trend, noting a steady increase in the ageing population, with approximately 40% of the total population aged 65 years or above. He stressed that ageing must be accompanied by dignity, safety, and quality care, and called for urgent and sustained policy responses to address emerging health and social care needs.

Minister Bachoo indicated that the inauguration of the Acute Care of Elderly Ward marks the beginning of a structured national transformation of geriatric health services. He underlined that these services will be expanded across all regional hospitals to ensure that older citizens have equitable access to dignified, specialised, and person-centred healthcare.

The ward, he added, will operate under a multidisciplinary model, designed to respond effectively to the complex medical conditions affecting older persons, representing a transformative step forward in the delivery of geriatric healthcare services.

03 March 2026

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Topics: Health