IBL Group Plans 24/7 Hospital Transformation in Forbach, Mauritius

In Forbach, northern Mauritius, IBL Group has announced its ambitious plan to convert its medical unit into a hospital that operates around the clock—24 hours a day, seven days a week. This effort aiming to address the growing demand for medical services in the region.

This initiative, which is currently undergoing an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), involving the modernization of existing facilities without major construction.

Life Viva Medical Clinic Ltd, a subsidiary of IBL Group, submitted the EIA application to the Ministry of the Environment earlier this November.

This project is marking a significant transition, evolving the current medical unit into the new HealthScape clinic in Forbach, fully equipped to function 24/7.

Since 2021, Life Viva Medical Clinic has operated an outpatient care unit licensed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The clinic specialized in consultations and scheduled surgeries but cannot handle emergency cases or provide inpatient care.

Currently open from 7 AM to 8 PM, the unit is seeking to adapt to the increasing demand for medical services in northern Mauritius.

The proposed plan entails transforming the existing building—which is located near the Forbach roundabout on the North Highway—without any structural changes to the facility.

The current setup will be reorganized and upgraded to accommodate a 16-bed hospital, providing outpatient services such as consultations and imaging, as well as inpatient services covering general medicine and surgery.

The estimated cost for these renovations is around Rs 12.27 million.

In terms of human resources, the staff of 35 is expected to grow threefold to nearly 100 employees once the hospital is fully operational.

This workforce will include nurses, nursing assistants, resident doctors, and various medical specialists.

This initiative came as Mauritius faces increasing healthcare challenges, driven by factors such as an aging population, improved diagnostic capabilities for non-communicable diseases, and the management of complex health issues, including comorbidities.

The northern part of the island predominantly relies on private facilities in Grand Baie, Mont-Choisy, and Forbach, in addition to the public Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Hospital in Pamplemousses.

According to the project’s promoters, the demand exceeded the current capacities, underscoring the need for new medical infrastructure.

Life Viva’s goal is to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare that meets international standards.

In addition to traditional medical services, the clinic is planning to integrate preventive, educational, and rehabilitative approaches deemed essential to reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and medical costs.

The proposed site, located within the HealthScape complex, boasts an existing infrastructure with good connectivity, including roads, electricity, and potable water.

The 8,377 m² land does not feature any legally protected biodiversity elements or natural watercourses.

The conversion of the medical unit into a hospital will not require demolition or new construction, minimizing the project’s environmental impact, as assured by the promoters in their EIA submission.

The modifications will focus solely on reorganizing the interior layout of the existing structure.

This hospital development forms part of a larger strategy led by Life Together Ltd, the parent company of Life Viva.

Eventually, the HealthScape complex will also include a large hospital, an already established rehabilitation center, retirement homes, a sports center, and cultural spaces.

This new hospital is expected to alleviate congestion in public hospitals while providing residents and expatriates living in Mauritius with additional healthcare options.

If the EIA application receives approval, Life Viva Medical Clinic can commence the transformation work and prepare to open its doors as a 24/7 hospital.

IBL Group Acquires Majority Stake in Bon Pasteur Clinic

In a separate development, IBL Group announced on Friday, November 22, that it has acquired a majority stake in Bon Pasteur Clinic through its subsidiary, Life Together, further strengthening its footprint in the healthcare sector in Mauritius.

This acquisition is a significant milestone for the group, which has prioritized healthcare as a central pillar of its growth strategy since 2019.

With this acquisition of over 65% of the capital, IBL becomes the principal shareholder of the clinic, having previously held a 24.6% stake since 2021.

Established more than 90 years ago, Bon Pasteur Clinic is recognized for the quality of its care and its human-centric values—an approach that IBL is planning to maintain while modernizing the facility and advancing both medical and paramedical innovations.

Arnaud Lagesse, Group CEO of IBL, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition:

“The acquisition of Bon Pasteur Clinic confirms our ambitions in the health sector.

IBL firmly believes that a strong and human-centered healthcare sector is essential for the social stability and well-being of our country.”

With this integration, Life Together expands its network of clinics and medical centers to three key regions of the island: the North, the West, and now the Central region.

Geraldine Jauffret, CEO of Life Together, highlighted the clinic’s commitment to a patient-centered approach:

“We are dedicated to delivering advanced medical and paramedical expertise, while ensuring a compassionate, human-centered approach that respects the dignity of our patients.”

Source: Defi Media