The private healthcare market in Mauritius, valued at approximately Rs 19 billion annually, is set to be examined by the Competition Commission for the first time in 2026. This move comes as the sector has experienced significant growth over the past decade. The commission's investigation will focus on the structure of the market, rather than the behavior of a specific company. This examination is made possible by a new provision in the Competition Act, which allows for a comprehensive review of the market.
The Competition Commission's decision to investigate the private healthcare market is notable, given the relatively low number of complaints received in this sector. Between and June 2026, the commission received 133 complaints and notifications, with only nine related to healthcare and pharmaceuticals. This is in contrast to 29 complaints related to retail trade and 19 related to banking and insurance. Despite the low number of complaints, the commission has chosen to examine the healthcare sector, citing concerns about market concentration and limited transparency on prices.
The Competition Commission's preliminary findings suggest that the private healthcare market in Mauritius is characterized by strong concentration throughout the care chain, imbalances in negotiating power, and limited transparency on prices. The commission also noted the presence of referral practices and "preferred provider" agreements between insurers and clinics. These characteristics may restrict competition, and the commission's investigation will aim to determine whether this is the case.
The investigation will have significant implications for patients in Mauritius, who often lack the information needed to compare prices and make informed decisions about their healthcare. The commission's findings may lead to recommendations or corrective actions, which could potentially increase competition and improve access to affordable healthcare.
The Competition Commission's new powers to examine market structures were introduced through Article 51B of the Competition Act. This provision allows the commission to review the entire market, rather than focusing on individual companies. The commission's ability to conduct this type of investigation is a recent development, and the private healthcare market is the first sector to be examined under these new powers.
The concentration of the private healthcare market in Mauritius has raised concerns about the potential for restricted competition. The commission's investigation will examine whether the characteristics of the market, including concentration and limited transparency, have led to higher prices or reduced access to healthcare. The investigation's findings are expected to shed light on the state of competition in the sector and potentially inform policy changes.
The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Mauritius. The Competition Commission's recommendations or corrective actions could have a significant impact on the private healthcare market, and potentially lead to changes in the way healthcare is delivered and funded in the country.
Key points
- The private healthcare market in Mauritius is valued at approximately Rs 19 billion annually.
- The Competition Commission's investigation will focus on the structure of the market, rather than the behavior of a specific company.
- The investigation's findings may lead to recommendations or corrective actions, which could potentially increase competition and improve access to affordable healthcare.
