Budget 2026-2027: Strengthening healthcare through major investments

The Government has unveiled a wide-ranging package of healthcare reforms in the Budget 2026-2027, aimed at strengthening the public health system, improving service delivery, expanding specialised care, and promoting healthier lifestyles among the population.

Key measures to reinforce the public healthcare system include:

Recruitment of 2,220 medical and paramedical staff, including nurses; Introduction of a Rs 40 million Visiting Doctor Scheme to bring international specialists in scarcity fields to Mauritius and reduce the need for overseas treatment. Expansion of specialised training for healthcare professionals: 26 medical practitioners in Anaesthesia, Reanimation and Radiology; 30 medical practitioners in Emergency Medicine; 62 medical technologists; 154 nurses in specialised areas including Midwifery, Oncology, Intensive Care, Community-Based Rehabilitation and Diabetes care, amongst others.

Efforts to improve healthcare governance and patient care will include the re-engineering of Regional Health Advisory Boards; the appointment of Hospital Managers to oversee hospital administration; and specialised management training for medical personnel involved in leadership roles.

The Budget places strong emphasis on preventive healthcare through the introduction of a Comprehensive Health Literacy Programme in schools and a national healthy living campaign promoting balanced nutrition, physical activity and stress management across all age groups. An additional Rs 40 million has also been earmarked for diabetes prevention and treatment.

To reinforce public health protection, Government will expand the Sterile Insect Technique Facility at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, increasing the weekly release of sterile mosquitoes from 100,000 to 400,000. Disease surveillance systems at community level, airports and seaports will be strengthened, while amendments to the Public Health Act will introduce fixed penalties for improper waste disposal that contributes to the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis.

A total of Rs 1.5 billion will be invested in modernising healthcare infrastructure. Key projects include:

· Construction of a new SSRN Hospital with research facilities at Pamplemousses;

· Establishment of Africa’s first AYUSH Centre of Excellence outside India.

· Development of a modern National Health Laboratory;

· Creation of a dedicated dialysis unit at ENT Hospital;

· Introduction of an interventional neuroradiology service for acute stroke and aneurysm treatment.

The Budget also seeks to position Mauritius as a regional centre for specialised healthcare and research through the:

· Establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Cardiometabolic Care and Research to position Mauritius as a regional hub for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease treatment;

· Creation of dedicated Women’s Health services for hormonal and metabolic conditions;

· Launch of a national clinical trials network across the public healthcare system, supported by a Rs 29 million contribution from the Hatter Institute of the University College Hospital, London;

· Provision of an additional Rs 30 million investment in health research targeting major health challenges affecting Mauritius' multi-ethnic population;

· Establishment of a Healthcare Innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit to train healthcare professionals in AI to safely implement new technologies, improving efficiency and support future healthcare delivery.

22 June 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

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Topics: Health

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