Mauritius is an African island nation in the Indian Ocean that has gained considerable popularity among tourists and expats in recent years. We tell you all about the healthcare system on the island, as well as medical tourism

Mauritius, an African island nation in the Indian Ocean, has in recent years transitioned to a diversified economy, high employment rates and increased life expectancy. Along with this, the healthcare system in Mauritius has also shown tremendous progress.

Given that Mauritius is a popular travel destination, it is important for tourists and expats to understand the specifics of the local healthcare system. That is why we have collected all useful information for travelers in this guide.

An overview of the healthcare system in Mauritius

Health care in Mauritius is internationally recognized for its quality and is accessible to all its residents. The health care system is divided into two sectors: public and private. There are many different hospitals and clinics on the island, some of which specialize in specific medical issues and treatments.

Public health care is completely free, available through dispensaries and hospitals throughout Mauritius, and is able to handle most medical conditions and emergencies.

However, waiting times are long and more complex health problems will require a visit to a private clinic or (in rare cases) medical evacuation abroad. Specialized treatment is mainly provided by private clinics on the island.

If you need treatment abroad, you will most likely be treated in India, South Africa or Reunion Island.

How many healthcare facilities and specialists are there in Mauritius?

Health care is provided by both the public and private sectors. There are 5 large public hospitals, 6 specialized public hospitals, local medical centers and clinics. There are also 18 private clinics and 11 specialized paid service centers.

These structures are staffed by the vast majority of doctors who have studied abroad, as well as doctors who are foreigners themselves.

In Mauritius, the medical profession is regulated by the Medical Council of Mauritius. This ensures that medical practice meets the highest international standards of quality and practice.

Public Hospitals of Mauritius

1. Victoria Hospital is a PMOC complex located in Kandos in the Plain-Wilhams district

The following services are provided: general medicine, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, children's departments, neonatal intensive care, cardiology, radiology, oncology, burn department, psychiatry, pathology, dentistry, etc.

2. Dr. A. Ghafoor Jitu Regional Hospital, located in Port Louis District

The following services are provided: general medicine, general surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, children's departments, gynecology and obstetrics, physical medicine, chest diseases, skin diseases, etc.

3. Sir Sivusagur Ramgoolam National Hospital located in Pamplemousses

The following services are provided: general medicine, general surgery, orthopedics, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, cardiology, cardiac surgery and radiology.

4. Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital located in Rose Belle

The following services are provided: general medicine, general surgery, kidney surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, children's departments, gynecology and obstetrics, physical medicine, diseases of the chest.

5. Dr. Bruno Cheong Hospital (formerly Flak Hospital), located in Flak

The following services are provided: chest diseases, outpatient clinic, skin diseases, ENT clinic, ophthalmology, dental facilities, hemodialysis department, speech therapy department, nutrition department.

Private clinics in Mauritius

Private clinics are often more modern than public sector facilities and cover a wide range of medical specialties.

- One of the most significant is the C-Care Mauritius clinic complex, which includes C-Care Darné, C-Care Wellkin (Moka), C-Care Grand Bay and C-Care Tamarin.

Specializations: cardiology, chiropractic, dentistry, dermatology, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, general and laparoscopic surgery, geriatrics (elderly care), in vitro fertilization (IVF), physiotherapy, neurology and neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and osteopathy.

Can expats access healthcare in Mauritius?

Foreigners who are not yet residents of the country can count on medical assistance, but only on the condition of paying for treatment, since they will not be able to use state medical services for free.

Most expats take out health insurance in Mauritius, as private clinics have higher standards of service.

Mandatory medical examination for expats before moving to Mauritius

Applicants for a work permit or residence permit in Mauritius must undergo a number of mandatory medical examinations before moving:

1. Pass blood tests for: hemoglobin and general blood test, hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV test for AIDS, VDRL test (for syphilis).

2. Urine tests for albumin and sugar.

3. Analysis of feces for parasites.

4. X-ray of the chest.

5. Lymphatic filariasis (citizens of India, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Brazil, Comoros Islands, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam).

6. Leprosy (citizens of India).

Among these tests, the following 3 must be performed in Mauritius at any local private medical laboratory or clinic registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, HIV and Chest X-ray.

Other tests can be done in the traveler's country before arriving in Mauritius or in Mauritius itself.

Medical tourism on the island of Mauritius

Mauritius is promoting an increase in medical tourism in an effort to generate more revenue for its healthcare industry. In fact, in 2017, Mauritius attracted more than 11,500 foreign patients for treatment in the following sectors – cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, infertility treatment and other specialist areas. As more investment flows into the sector, infrastructure development could potentially attract more foreign patients.

Mauritius is one of the richest countries in Africa, the health care system in which is developing at a fantastic pace, so expats can feel more confident when moving here. Also, the state may become a center of medical tourism in the future.

We will remind, taking into account the stability of the economy of Mauritius, a large number of foreigners come here for the purpose of employment. Learn more about the conditions for moving to the island of Mauritius, available jobs, types of work permits and the taxation system in this article.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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