2015-2024: Shocking Rs24 Million Medical Reimbursements for Ambassadors

In a startling revelation that has ignited a fierce debate, the Mauritian government has disbursed over Rs 24 million in medical reimbursements to its ambassadors over the past nine years. The figures, unveiled in Parliament by Foreign Minister Ritish Ramful, are nothing short of alarming: from 2015 to 2024, a staggering Rs 24,610,744 has been allocated to cover the medical expenses of ambassadors stationed abroad.

This financial outlay encompasses both career diplomats and those appointed on a political basis.

Among the latter, three prominent figures from the former government of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) stand out: Showkutally Soodhun, the former ambassador to Riyadh; Jagdish Koonjul, the ambassador to New York; and Purmanund Jhugroo, who held the post in Washington, D.C.

Showkutally Soodhun’s reimbursements span three financial years. In 2021-2022, he received Rs 25,475.46; this amount surged to Rs 616,528.15 in 2022-2023, before settling at Rs 514,339.28 in 2023-2024.

In total, his medical expenses reimbursed amount to an eye-watering Rs 1,156,342.89.

Meanwhile, Jagdish Koonjul, a long-serving ambassador at the Mauritian mission to the United Nations, reportedly claimed Rs 5,557,970 between 2015 and 2024—a figure significantly higher than that of his peers, yet lacking detailed disclosure regarding the nature of the medical care received. Purmanund Jhugroo, for his part, benefited from reimbursements of Rs 1,639,718 in 2022-2023 and Rs 159,956 in 2023-2024, totalling Rs 1,779,674.

When questioned in Parliament, Minister Ramful clarified that these medical reimbursements are governed by the Pay Research Bureau’s report and the contracts of the ambassadors.

Under these regulations, 90% of medical expenses are reimbursable for the diplomats themselves, their spouses, and dependent children up to the age of 20.

However, these reimbursements are strictly contingent upon the submission of certified documents, recommendations from heads of missions, and adherence to a government-approved list of treatments.

Notably, aesthetic procedures and contact lenses are explicitly excluded from this scheme.

Yet, a shadow looms over this ostensibly regulated framework.

The Minister indicated that certain politically appointed ambassadors may have exploited their positions to return to Mauritius in October 2024—just prior to the elections—under the guise of “urgent discussions.”

Once on the island, they were reportedly seen engaging in electoral campaigning, utilising public funds to cover their travel and accommodation expenses.

Even more troubling, the latest report from the Director of Audit has unveiled blatant abuses: some ambassadors allegedly converted their leave into official missions, thereby receiving public allowances, and unjustly extended their stays in Mauritius under the pretext of pseudo-missions, all while availing themselves of services such as official drivers and vehicles.

Minister Ramful has stated that an internal audit committee is now working to rectify these discrepancies.

Behind the numbers lies a legitimate inquiry: are these medical expenses justified, or are they veiled acts of favouritism?

Source: l’Express