Yet to Begin, Funding Free Prescription Medications in the Private Sector

Mauritius boasts over 350 pharmacies and spends more than Rs 5 billion annually on medications. A pressing question looms: how will the government finance the promise made by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth regarding the provision of free prescribed medications purchased from pharmacies?

While the Prime Minister has stated that this initiative will be implemented during the next term of office, he has not clarified whether it will take effect immediately following the upcoming general elections.

According to Defi Media sources close to the Prime Minister, there is an acknowledgment that “we will have five years to fulfill this promise, although the goal is to make it a reality as soon as possible at the start of the mandate.”

In order to advance this initiative, the Ministry of Finance will need to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to assess the costs associated with the program and determine the most appropriate funding model.

This preliminary work is crucial to ensure a practical rollout while minimizing the risks of fraud from unscrupulous importers, distributors, and pharmacists.

As of now, officials in the Ministry of Health have indicated that preparatory work for this initiative has yet to commence.

No directives have been issued to transform this promise into action.

This delay can be attributed to the fact that the measure can only be implemented if the government secures a new mandate in the upcoming elections.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the opposition alliance, known as the Changement, has also pledged to provide free medications in the private sector, but only for retirees.

Source: Defi Media