What You Need to Know
Minister of Health Anil Kumar Bachoo condemned recent acts of aggression against healthcare workers in Mauritius, emphasizing that such violence will face strict legal repercussions. Following two incidents involving assaults on doctors, he urged the public to use proper channels for complaints and assured police support to maintain hospital safety.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. Aggression towards healthcare professionals, whether verbal or physical, particularly against those on duty, is strictly condemned and will be met with firm legal action.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, made this statement this morning in Ebène during a press conference held in the wake of two recent cases of aggression against doctors at the Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital and Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital respectively. The Junior Minister, Mrs Anishta Babooram, was also present.
Minister Bachoo stressed that any form of physical violence against hospital staff will not be tolerated, underlining that the law is explicit on the matter. He pointed out that assaulting a person on duty, particularly where bleeding occurs, results in a fine of Rs 200,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.
Referring to the incident at the Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital, the Minister indicated that some 15 to 20 individuals attacked a doctor in the hospital yard while he was carrying out his duties. The doctor sustained injuries but has since recovered and been discharged.
Minister Bachoo also drew attention to a second incident that occurred last night at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, involving a Surgical Resident Medical Officer in the paediatric department, which, he said, was triggered by unfounded rumours circulating about the death of a child who had been under treatment for abdominal pain.
The doctor was severely assaulted, receiving multiple blows and kicks, resulting in fractures to the facial and nasal bones, septal damage, a haematoma, and a perforated right tympanic membrane, and is currently admitted at the ENT Hospital for treatment, he said.
The Minister further emphasised that violence is not a solution to any issue, urging members of the public to make use of proper channels to voice their concerns. He noted that requests or complaints relating to medical services and treatment can be lodged through the dedicated hotline 146.
Mr Bachoo further reassured that the Ministry has sought police assistance to ensure that hospital services are not disrupted, and to guarantee that the child’s surgery proceeds smoothly without any interference or risk of violence.
In recent years, incidents of violence against healthcare professionals have raised significant concerns globally, reflecting a troubling trend that undermines the safety and well-being of medical staff. In Mauritius, the government has been increasingly vocal about protecting healthcare workers, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, where tensions can escalate due to public frustration and misinformation.
The Ministry of Health has implemented various measures to address these issues, including legal frameworks that impose severe penalties for assaults on medical personnel. This proactive approach aims to foster a safer working environment for healthcare providers
