A team of top medical specialists from Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (MIOT International Hospital), Chennai, India, is currently in Mauritius to carry out a series of complex head and neck cancer surgeries at the New Cancer Centre (NCC) in Phoenix, and complex paediatric procedures at the SSRN Hospital. The team is composed of: Surgical Oncologist, Dr Arun Mitra; Consultant Medical Oncologist, Dr Balaji Krishnan; Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Atul Bhaskar; and Paediatric Anaesthesiologist, Dr Pradnya Sawant.

In this context, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, met the MIOT specialists, yesterday at the NCC, as well as some patients who have already undergone specialised surgeries.

In a statement to the press, Minister Bachoo praised the longstanding cooperation between Mauritius and India in the field of healthcare. He noted that Indian medical specialists have been supporting complex surgeries in Mauritius for many years, and highlighted the benefits for local doctors, including gaining invaluable experience and training through the collaboration. “This partnership will enhance the skills of our own medical professionals and help raise the standard of healthcare offered in the country,” he stated.

The Minister highlighted that the Indian team will perform more than ten complex head and neck cancer surgeries. He also raised concern over the growing number of cancer cases diagnosed in Mauritius, with approximately 3,200 new cases recorded annually, particularly breast cancer. In view to address this rising trend, the Ministry has launched a nationwide cancer screening campaign, he indicated. Since the beginning of 2025, over 328 successful surgeries have been carried out at the NCC, he further added.

Regarding paediatric care, Mr Bachoo indicated that the Indian specialists will handle more than 15 complex paediatric cases at the SSRN Hospital. He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration and training of Mauritian doctors in India, with the aim to ensuring that every hospital department in Mauritius is staffed with qualified specialists.

As for the Indian specialists, they expressed their willingness to continue working with Mauritius, share expertise and strengthen the bilateral ties that exist between India and Mauritius. They reaffirmed their commitment to help local doctors manage complex medical cases and further enhance healthcare services in Mauritius.