Inauguration of the Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Center at Jeetoo Hospital

A diabetes and vascular medicine center, designed to provide specialized care and treatment for patients with diabetes and vascular diseases, was inaugurated on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Anil Bachoo, at Dr. AG Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis.

Also present at the event were the Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, and the regional health director, Dr. Tanooja Hemoo.

In his opening speech, the Health Minister stated that the establishment of a dedicated diabetes center, as outlined in the 2025-2026 budget, aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance specialized health services and intensify efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The center will provide integrated, patient-centered care, allowing for earlier screening, better follow-up, coordinated treatment, and improved health outcomes in managing diabetes and vascular diseases.

Anil Bachoo reminded attendees that the government had announced a gradual establishment of five diabetes treatment centers nationwide. "This initiative reflects a strategic shift in the national healthcare framework, moving from managing complications to disease prevention, from fragmented care to integrated services, and from late intervention to early screening," he stated.

The Minister also highlighted that an international advisory committee, established under the ministry’s auspices, had submitted 21 key recommendations aimed at improving diabetes care and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases nationwide.

For her part, Dr. Tanooja Hemoo pointed out the high prevalence of diabetes in Mauritius, noting that approximately 20% of the population aged 25 to 74 is affected by diabetes, while 16% of adults are pre-diabetic. She emphasized that early screening and prevention are essential for effective management of NCDs, underscoring the importance of creating specialized centers dedicated to diabetes care.