On September 21, Mauritius' Minister of Health and Wellness, Anil Bachoo, and Junior Minister Anishta Babooram inaugurated two new geriatric wards for men and women at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose-Belle. The event marked World Alzheimer's Day 2026 and was attended by several dignitaries, including the World Health Organization's (WHO) representative to Mauritius, Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye. This development is part of the government's 2025/29 program, prioritizing elderly welfare.
The new wards were made possible through funding from Absa Group, which fully financed the female geriatric ward. Minister Bachoo expressed his gratitude to Absa for their support. With these additions, all five regional hospitals in Mauritius are now equipped with specialized geriatric units. The goal is to preserve the autonomy, mobility, and functionality of seniors through multidisciplinary teams trained in new standards.
The launch also saw the introduction of a booklet on standard operational procedures for elderly care, developed in conjunction with the WHO, and a holistic medical evaluation form. These tools aim to enhance the quality of care provided to the elderly. The initiative addresses the growing need for elderly care in Mauritius, where nearly one in five citizens is aged 60 or older, totaling around 280,000 people.
The issue of dementia and Alzheimer's disease is a significant challenge, currently affecting approximately 18,000 Mauritians. To combat this, the Ministry of Health is focusing on early detection and rapid intervention. As part of this effort, the WHO's screening program, launched in July 2025, evaluates over 1,000 seniors monthly. Specialized clinics for early dementia diagnosis are now operational in all regional hospitals.
The government's emphasis on elderly care is driven by demographic realities. With an aging population, Mauritius must adapt its healthcare system to meet the needs of its seniors. The new geriatric wards and screening programs are steps in this direction. By enhancing elderly care, the government aims to improve the quality of life for its aging population.
Minister Bachoo highlighted the significance of these developments in addressing the healthcare needs of Mauritius' elderly population. The collaboration with the WHO and the support from Absa Group demonstrate the government's commitment to providing comprehensive care for seniors. These initiatives are expected to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Mauritians.
As Mauritius continues to address the challenges posed by an aging population, the Ministry of Health remains focused on implementing effective solutions. The inauguration of the new geriatric wards and the launch of the screening program mark significant progress in this effort. The government is determined to ensure that its elderly citizens receive the care and support they need.
Key points
- The new geriatric wards in Mauritius' regional hospitals aim to preserve the autonomy, mobility, and functionality of seniors.
- The WHO's screening program in Mauritius evaluates over 1,000 seniors monthly to detect dementia and Alzheimer's disease early.
- The Absa Group financed the female geriatric ward at Rose-Belle hospital, supporting Mauritius' efforts to enhance elderly care.
