Health Minister’s Surprise Visit Exposes 3 Absences and Delays at Flacq Hospital

Medical staff at Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) Hospital in Flacq are facing disciplinary action and the threat of an immediate shake-up to hospital management after a surprise visit from Health Minister Anil Bachoo.

Mr Bachoo, who arrived unannounced at the hospital on Wednesday evening, 27th August, expressed his fury after discovering that far fewer doctors were on duty than were scheduled.

In a statement posted to his Facebook page, the Minister said he was “consterné” (dismayed) to find that nearly 50 patients were waiting, “the majority in pain and distress.”

The Minister has announced a special “squad” to conduct unannounced inspections at hospitals across the country, vowing to “impose discipline and responsibility” on the national health service.

The move comes as a response to his belief that a “small minority” of healthcare workers are tarnishing the reputation of the sector.

Mr Bachoo immediately contacted the hospital’s director to demand “disciplinary action” and stressed that the attitude of some staff was “unacceptable.”

While acknowledging that hospital work is demanding and that staff need rest, he insisted that this should not come “at the expense of patients.”

He defended his actions, stating that while some critics may claim he is only focusing on SAJ Hospital because it is in his constituency, “all hospitals in Mauritius are my responsibility.”

Mr Bachoo concluded that the public “deserves better” and pledged to continue working to ensure the health service reflects the values of “discipline, care, compassion and service.”

Source: Defi Media