First Mauritius National Formulary moves towards finalisation

The first Mauritius National Formulary (MNF), aimed at supporting the safe, rational and effective use of medicines, is moving towards finalisation following a validation workshop held today at the Gold Crest Hotel in Quatre-Bornes.

The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the World Health Organization and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mauritius (JSSAHERM), was officially opened by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo. The Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chancellor of JSSAHERM, Prof. Dr Praveen Mohadeb, healthcare professionals, representatives of professional bodies and other stakeholders were present.

This validation workshop provided a platform for healthcare professionals and key stakeholders to undertake a guided review of the draft MNF and assess its accuracy, clarity, relevance and applicability to clinical practice in Mauritius. Participants were expected to identify gaps, propose amendments and recommendations, and agree on the next steps towards finalising the Formulary as a practical national reference for healthcare professionals.

In his address, Minister Bachoo described the development of the first National Formulary as an important milestone for the health sector. He highlighted that the MNF will provide doctors, pharmacists and nurses with a common practical reference to guide the safe, rational and effective use of medicines and promote greater consistency in patient care.

Mr Bachoo pointed out that his Ministry already maintains a database of nearly 8,000 pharmaceutical products. Following validation, he indicated, the Formulary will be made available both online and in hard copy to facilitate access across the health services. He also stressed that the document must remain clear, practical and relevant to healthcare delivery and be regularly updated as scientific evidence and treatment practices evolve.

For his part, Prof Mohadeb stated that the MNF will serve as a practical national resource rather than being merely a reference document. He recalled that the initiative originated from project work undertaken by Doctor of Pharmacy students and stressed that the Formulary must ultimately come under the ownership and stewardship of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Prof. Mohadeb further emphasised that the MNF is expected to comprise three volumes and proposed that it be reviewed and updated at least every two years. He also envisaged its evolution into a national resource, through digital platforms and artificial intelligence, to ensure medicines information is readily accessible and user-friendly for healthcare professionals.

30 September 2026

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Topics: Health