Victoria Hospital Inaugurates New Cardiac Out-Patient Department

On October 29, 2024, the World Heart Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Victoria Hospital in Candos, marking the inauguration of the new Cardiac Out-Patient Department (OPD). The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Minister of Health Kailesh Jagutpal, Minister of Environment Kavy Ramano, Parliamentary Private Secretary Tania Diolle, Quatre-Bornes Mayor Dooshiant Ramluckhun, and Chairperson of SICOM Group Karuna Bhoojedhur-Obeegadoo.

The renovation of the Cardiac OPD, conducted in collaboration with SICOM Group, aims to accommodate the increasing number of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases in Mauritius.

Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in the country, following diabetes and cancer.

Minister Jagutpal emphasized the significance of heart health, stating, “Today is a serious day where we must recognize the importance of our hearts.”

He noted that heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer account for over 60% of deaths in Mauritius.

In 2023, data revealed that 3,814 fatalities were attributed to cardiovascular issues, with 2,251 deaths from heart diseases and 900 from strokes.

The Minister highlighted that there were a total of 153,796 consultations in the cardiac departments across Mediclinics and Area Health Centres nationwide.

He raised the question of how citizens should respond to the implications of an aging population, acknowledging that these numbers are expected to rise in the coming years.

Furthermore, Minister Jagutpal remarked that the Cardiac Centre in Pamplemousses admitted 3,778 patients in 2023, conducting 1,045 open-heart surgeries and an additional 123 heart-related surgeries.

He urged the attendees to reflect on these statistics, which illustrate the pressing need for improved heart health practices.

He added that private clinics performed 443 surgeries, while 77 patients were sent abroad for surgeries under the Overseas Treatment Scheme.

In addition, 17,325 patients were admitted for heart-related issues in hospitals outside the designated Cardiac Centres, and 3,676 angiographies and angioplasties were carried out last year.

The Minister concluded by encouraging everyone to adopt healthier eating habits and engage in at least some physical activity to prevent such medical complications.

Minister Kavy Ramano also urged the public to pay close attention to their health, while Tania Diolle expressed her appreciation for the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of its citizens, stating, “This is the first time as a resident of Quatre-Bornes that I have seen so many projects come to fruition in my constituency.”

Source: Le Mauricien