Critical Shortage of 1,500 Nurses: Mauritius Faces Healthcare Crisis

As the world observes International Nurses Day this 12th May under the theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” Mauritius confronts a severe healthcare challenge: a shortage of approximately 1,500 nursing staff in its public hospitals.

The alarming deficit was confirmed by Minister of Health, Anil Bachoo, who emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Our healthcare system is under significant strain due to this shortfall,” he stated, adding that addressing the gap is a top priority in the upcoming national budget.

To tackle the crisis, Minister Bachoo has proposed a two-pronged approach. First, the re-employment of retired nurses on a contractual basis; second, recruiting graduates from private nursing schools to join the public health sector. “The budget will allocate funds for these initiatives. Strengthening our workforce is essential to ensure quality healthcare for all,” he said.

Retired Nurses

However, the proposals have sparked debate among industry stakeholders. Ram Nowzadick, President of the Nursing Association, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of re-employing retirees.

“Retired nurses may lack the stamina for such demanding roles,” he cautioned. He also noted that newly qualified nurses are hesitant to work in public hospitals due to low salaries and challenging working conditions.

Meanwhile, Krist Durmah, President of the Nursing Council, called for more immediate measures. “We need a large-scale recruitment drive and a review of salary structures to attract more professionals. Additionally, considering temporary employment of foreign nurses could help bridge the gap,” he suggested.

Source: Defi Media