New Cancer Hospital: Suspected Vandalism Disrupts Operations, 50 Patients Affected

Officials in the Health sector suspect vandalism at the New Cancer Hospital after damage to electrical conduits and air conditioning systems was discovered. The disorder was initially noticed on January 3rd, but only gained attention when photos were circulated by Labour MP Eshan Juman.

Workers returning to the hospital after the New Year closure reported the damage, including a wrecked false ceiling and damaged conduits and cables. The Health ministry has filed an official report with the hospital’s Police Post, indicating suspicions of vandalism.

The hospital, which has been partially operational since October 2020, aims to complete renovations for an upcoming event. The ministry suspects the vandalism was deliberate and may be connected to previous thefts of construction materials and cables.

CCTV footage from the hospital and surrounding area will be examined to determine the circumstances of the incident. Despite operating for nearly three years, the New Cancer Hospital has faced challenges in providing adequate care, with patients still needing to visit other facilities for radiotherapy treatments.

While plans for new equipment have been announced, the hospital currently serves a maximum of 50 patients daily. Consultations and chemotherapy treatments have been available since the soft launch, and transfers to and from another hospital are provided as needed.

The location for installing radiation-based equipment is still being determined, and repairs to the false ceiling will be carried out alongside the police investigation.

Source: Le Mauricien