The Mauritius Ministry of Health, led by Minister Anil Kumar Bachoo, has launched a mass screening program for heart disease and cancer across the island. This initiative aims to mark World Heart Day 2026 and kick off the Pink October campaign. The program includes free screening tests for cardiovascular diseases, breast and cervical cancer, health talks, and distribution of educational materials. The event was organized in collaboration with Mauritius Telecom and was attended by several high-ranking officials.
Minister Anil Kumar Bachoo emphasized the importance of prevention, early detection, and prompt medical care for heart diseases, which account for approximately 34% of all deaths in Mauritius. He also highlighted the alarming rate of new cancer cases, with nearly 600 breast cancer cases reported annually, and a total of 250-300 new cases of all types of cancer registered monthly. The Ministry is working to strengthen local healthcare by seeking expertise from Indian specialists and oncologists.
As part of the Pink October campaign, the Ministry aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection. The Minister revealed that cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Mauritian women. To address this, the Ministry is working to improve access to specialized care, with 1,026 cardiac surgeries performed in 2025, up from 994 in 2024. The public is encouraged to take advantage of free screening services available island-wide.
Minister of Technology, Communication, and Innovation, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, highlighted the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence and eHealth applications in improving access to healthcare and providing real-time medical advice. He praised the collaboration between his Ministry and the Ministry of Health to drive digital transformation in the medical sector.
Junior Minister of Health, Anishta Babooram, stressed the importance of regular health check-ups and encouraged the public to utilize existing public health infrastructure, including dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and targeted therapies. She also emphasized the need for early detection and prompt treatment of heart diseases and cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Mauritius, Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye, reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting Mauritius in developing sustainable health policies, prioritizing cardiovascular risk factors through healthier lifestyles. The WHO will work closely with the Ministry to promote healthy habits and disease prevention.
The mass screening program will run throughout the island, providing free tests and consultations for heart disease and cancer. The Ministry aims to reach a large audience and encourage Mauritians to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health. Key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and community leaders, will be involved in the campaign to ensure its success.
Key points
- The Mauritius Ministry of Health has launched a mass screening program for heart disease and cancer as part of World Heart Day and Pink October.
- Nearly 600 new breast cancer cases are reported annually in Mauritius, with cancer being the leading cause of mortality among Mauritian women.
- The Ministry aims to strengthen local healthcare by seeking expertise from Indian specialists and oncologists and improving access to specialized care.
