Government to reinforce specialised eye care through international medical collaboration

Government will continue to engage international medical specialists to perform complex procedures in public hospitals, reducing the need for overseas treatment while strengthening the expertise of local healthcare professionals through knowledge transfer, stated the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, yesterday at the New Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital in Réduit Triangle, Moka.

The Minister was speaking at a Corneal Donation Ceremony organised by the Lions Club of Curepipe (LCC), which sponsored ten corneal grafts for patients requiring corneal transplant surgery. The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; the President of the LCC, Mr Navin Bobeechurn; the Chief of Medical Services at the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Professor Dr Wajid Ali Khan; and other personalities were present.

Minister Bachoo reaffirmed Government's commitment to providing accessible, quality healthcare services to the population. He underlined that the corneal donation initiative reflects the shared commitment of Government, civil society organisations and international medical teams to restoring sight and improving the quality of life of patients suffering from corneal diseases.

The Minister highlighted that strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions and service organisations are instrumental in expanding access to advanced medical care and reinforcing specialised services within the public health sector. He also expressed appreciation to Professor Wajid Ali Khan and his medical team from Pakistan for their longstanding collaboration with Mauritius.

Furthermore, Minister Bachoo noted that patients whose conditions cannot be managed locally will also be offered free treatment in Pakistan, ensuring that they continue to receive the care they need. He reiterated the Ministry's resolve to strengthen specialised eye care services by fostering collaborations that complement the national healthcare system while ensuring timely and equitable access to advanced treatment for patients.

As for Mr Navin Bobeechurn commended Professor Ali Khan on his 19th annual medical mission to Mauritius, describing his longstanding commitment as a reflection of his professional excellence and dedication to improving the lives of Mauritian patients. He also reaffirmed LCC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare services in the country.

For his part, Professor Ali Khan thanked the Ministry of Health and Wellness for its continued support, and remarked that corneal transplantation is only possible through the donation of corneal tissue by deceased donors, making every transplant a precious gift of sight.

Professor Ali Khan also reaffirmed his team's commitment to providing free specialised treatment in Pakistan for Mauritian patients whenever necessary. In addition, he outlined the team's willingness to offer free training in corneal transplantation to Mauritian healthcare professionals, further contributing to the development of local expertise and the long-term strengthening of specialised eye care services in Mauritius.

31 July 2026

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Topics: Health