Mauritius Telecom, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, launched a free health screening campaign for its employees on World Heart Day, September 29. The initiative, held at three company sites, aims to promote preventive care and encourage healthy lifestyles. Over 600 employees have registered for the program, which offers various medical examinations, including blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, electrocardiograms, and body mass index calculations.
The campaign, themed "Don't Miss a Beat," features a team of medical professionals from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The screening program includes vision tests, medical consultations, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Female employees can also benefit from breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings. Each participant receives a personalized health card with their results, and those requiring further examination or treatment are referred to public healthcare facilities.
The launch event, held at the Telecom Tower in Port-Louis, was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Health and Wellness Anil Kumar Bachoo, Junior Minister of Health and Wellness Anishta Babooram, and Minister of Information, Communication, and Innovation Avinash Ramtohul. The World Health Organization's representative, Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye, emphasized the importance of preventive care, citing that 80% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through a balanced diet, physical activity, and better management of risk factors.
According to Dr. Gueye, 20% of the Mauritian population is diabetic, and 60% are pre-diabetic. He also noted that two amputations related to diabetes occur daily in Mauritius. Minister Bachoo praised the initiative, highlighting the government's investment of over Rs 18 billion in the healthcare sector and emphasizing the need for collective action to promote health and wellness.
Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom, expressed satisfaction with the high employee participation rate, stating that it demonstrates the demand for accessible preventive care. He believes that collaborations between the public and private sectors can encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health. Sarat Lallah, Chairman of the Board of Mauritius Telecom, stressed the importance of screening and adopting healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness plans to extend this initiative to other companies, making health screening more accessible to the working population. The use of technology, data, and artificial intelligence is also expected to play a greater role in promoting preventive care and supporting public health efforts.
For Mauritius Telecom, this campaign is part of a broader employee wellness program. The Ministry of Health and Wellness views this initiative as a crucial step towards integrating preventive care into the daily lives of workers, ultimately promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.
Key points
- Over 600 employees of Mauritius Telecom participated in a free health screening campaign on World Heart Day.
