Nurses Union Exposes Systemic Anomalies in Healthcare Sector

The Nurses Union has raised serious concerns regarding the shortcomings in the healthcare sector over the past five years. During a press conference held on Wednesday, December 2, in Port-Louis, union representatives did not hold back in criticizing the dysfunctions they have witnessed, emphasizing that the new government must implement necessary measures to address these issues, ultimately prioritizing patient well-being.

One of the union’s key criticisms was the lack of recruitment in a sector where nurses play an essential role.

Bholanath Jeewuth, the union’s secretary, highlighted the dire consequences this staffing shortage has had on patient care.

“It is the patients who have paid the highest price. We are facing a staff shortage, with absenteeism rates reaching 40 to 50 percent,” he stated.

Jeewuth also pointed to a troubling trend of healthcare professionals leaving the country for better opportunities, particularly in Canada.

“Between January and July, eleven nurses from Dr. A. G. Jeetoo Hospital left for abroad.

Just this Tuesday, December 3, one of the hospital’s wards was staffed with only two employees: a Ward Manager and a Charge Nurse. Who suffers the most in this situation? The patients,” he added.

The union has accused certain authorities of ignoring their grievances.

“We wrote to Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth twice in the six months leading up to the elections, but received no response,” Jeewuth lamented.

Nasser Essa, the union president, condemned the unilateral management of methadone distribution.

“We requested a meeting with the relevant authorities, but in light of their silence, we have taken the matter to court. However, we are willing to drop this case if an agreement can be reached,” he said.

Essa stressed the importance of adhering to protocols during distribution:

“Each professional must fulfill their responsibilities: the nurse handles their duties, and the pharmacist handles theirs. It is not the nurse’s responsibility to manage everything.”

Essa also criticized what he described as abusive practices concerning promotions and transfers.

He recounted his own experience of being transferred after organizing a candlelight vigil.

“Under the previous Minister of Health, Kailesh Jagutpal, we faced persecution and harassment.

Transfers were decided arbitrarily, often at the last minute, disrupting the organization for many employees.”

The Nurses Union expressed hope that the new Minister of Health, Anil Bachoo, would prioritize the recruitment of nurses.

“Although 186 new candidates are undergoing training, they will not be operational until late 2026 or early 2027,” Essa explained.

He also called for an inquiry into the rental of a space in Quatre-Bornes meant for training healthcare professionals.

Essa urged the minister to ensure impartiality and put an end to favoritism.

“We are currently facing a situation where a nurse with close ties to a current minister requested a transfer to a Health Center, and that request was granted.

We hope such practices do not recur and that measures will be implemented to establish genuine transparency,” he urged.

Source: l’Express