Africa-Press – Mauritius. A two-day workshop, aiming to provide healthcare professionals with the theoretical concepts and practical training in respect of management of neurogenic bladder and bowel, is being organised from 09 November to 10 November 2023 at the Sofitel Mauritius Resort & Spa, in Flic en Flac.
The opening ceremony was held, this morning, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, and other personalities.
In his keynote address, Minister Jagutpal elaborated on risk factors of developing strokes, the second leading cause of death and acquired disability worldwide according to the World Health Organization.
Government, to address the needs of stroke patients, has thus elaborated a National Stroke Action Plan 2023-2027 in a bid to provide the strategic direction which comprise: the setting up of stroke units in all regional hospitals in the long-term in addition to the existing one at Victoria Hospital; and the development of strategies to address risk factors of stroke namely hypertension, high intake of salt, sedentary life, and cigarette smoking, among others, Dr Jagutpal pointed out.
Acquiring proper skills and aptitudes can save lives specially when it comes to dealing with stroke patients, this is why, training of our Human Resources is considered a priority, the Minister emphasised.
It is in this context that an agreement was signed between six partners including University of Bordeaux, University of Reunion, CHU of Bordeaux and Reunion, the University of Mauritius and the Ministry so that medical health officers undergo specialised training in Anaesthesiology and SAMU Services in Bordeaux and in Reunion Island, he said.
As regards the two-day workshop, Minister Jagutpal informed that it will be dealing with one of the major setbacks of stroke, that is, bladder and bowel incontinence, which significantly impacts the lives of stroke survivors and necessitates understanding, support and empathy.
Dr Jagutpal, moreover, highlighted that continence, that is, the ability to control one’s bladder and bowel is a fundamental aspect of a person’s dignity and independence and, in patients who have suffered from strokes, this ability can be compromised due to muscle weakness, impaired sensation or loss of coordination.
Outlining the difficulties these patients face in managing their bodily functions which can lead to embarrassment, frustration and a diminished quality of life, Dr Jagutpal underlined the responsibilities that medical practitioners have towards stroke survivors in raising awareness about continence.
He stressed, too, on the importance of rehabilitation as it will focus on reducing disability and distress and, increasing social participation regardless of age, condition, or prognosis.
On this note, the Minister elaborated on improvements brought towards this cause, including development of protocols as regards comprehensive management of neurological conditions like spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury that take into account acute and post-acute management followed by planning for discharge home or to the community.
The Health Minister expressed hope that this workshop will help improve the assessment and management of people who suffer from bladder and bowel incontinence, thereby aligning itself with the objective of the Government, which is to provide up to date knowledge on the management of incontinence.
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