Dedicated Muscular Dystrophy Ward inaugurated at SSRN Hospital

A dedicated Muscular Dystrophy Ward, aimed at providing specialised healthcare facilities and treatment to children living with muscular dystrophy, was inaugurated, yesterday, at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National (SSRN) Hospital, in Pamplemousses, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo.

The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Subron; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Ms Anishta Babooram; the Member of the National Assembly, Mr Kaviraj Rookny; and the President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Mr Soodesh Kumar Patroo, were among the main attendees.

The inauguration of the ward was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the MDA and the State Bank of India Limited to mark the World Duchenne Awareness Day, observed annually on 07 September. The theme retained by the United Nations for this year is ‘Access changes lives’.

In his address, Minister Bachoo stated that the muscular dystrophy ward formed part of Government’s continuous effort to enhancing the healthcare system in Mauritius. He stressed that the new facility would be beneficial to children living with muscular dystrophy, as it would provide them with access to specialised healthcare services, professional assistance and regular medical monitoring.

He announced that a similar initiative would be established at a hospital in the southern region of the country, with a view to ensuring that more patients living with muscular dystrophy had access to quality and specialised healthcare services.

The Minister further highlighted the increasing number of persons diagnosed with autism in Mauritius, which currently stood at around 14,000. In this context, he indicated that a specialised autism centre would be established at Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) Hospital in Flacq. He emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention in improving outcomes for children with autism.

With regard to the Day, he underlined that addressing the challenges associated with muscular dystrophy required not only the support and expertise of healthcare professionals, but also the determination, dedication and resilience of patients and their families. He thus stressed the importance of fostering stronger synergy among all stakeholders and working collectively to ensure that every person living with muscular dystrophy had access to the care, support and opportunities needed to lead a full and meaningful life.

For his part, Minister Subron reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining a welfare state founded on three key pillars, namely free education, quality healthcare and adequate social security protection. He indicated that amendments would be introduced as part of the ongoing reform to better integrate the medical and functional dimensions of disability and provide targeted assistance to persons living with muscular dystrophy.

The Minister also highlighted several measures being implemented by Government to support persons with disabilities. These include an increase in the Carer’s Allowance from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,250, as well as financial assistance grants for the purchase of assistive devices, including electric, motorised and adapted wheelchairs.

As for Mr Patroo, he recalled that the association was established in 2003 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons living with muscular dystrophy. He stated that the MDA currently supports around 60 beneficiaries and their families.

He also reaffirmed the MDA’s commitment to promoting better healthcare, dignity and an improved quality of life for persons living with muscular dystrophy. “The association,” he said, “provides assistance in accessing medical equipment, including motorised wheelchairs, medical beds, Variable Positive Airway Pressure machines; and facilitates regular health checks and support through physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological services.”

08 September 2026

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Topics: Health