A Diabetes and Vascular Centre Inaugurated at Jeetoo Hospital: A Significant Step in the Fight Against Non-Communicable Diseases in Mauritius
Jeetoo Hospital has taken an important step in modernizing healthcare with the inauguration today of a Diabetes and Vascular Centre. This new specialized facility aims to provide care for patients suffering from diabetes and vascular diseases.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Anil Bachoo, along with the Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, and the Regional Director of Health, Dr. Tanooja Hemoo.
A Government Response to a Major Health Challenge
In his speech, Minister Bachoo emphasized that the establishment of this specialized center, announced in the 2025-2026 Budget, aligns with the government’s strategy to strengthen specialized health services and intensify the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Centre will offer integrated, patient-centered care, enabling early detection, improved follow-up, coordinated treatments, and better therapeutic outcomes in managing diabetes and vascular diseases.
Anil Bachoo reminded that the government plans to gradually establish five Diabetes Centres across the country. He described this initiative as a strategic shift in the national healthcare system: moving from managing complications to disease prevention, from fragmented care to integrated services, and from late interventions to early detection.
The minister also revealed that an international advisory committee, established under the ministry, has submitted 21 key recommendations aimed at improving diabetes care and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country.
A One-Stop Shop for Comprehensive Care
For his part, Minister Osman Mahomed stressed the concept of a "one-stop shop" that this centre represents, providing comprehensive and coordinated care under one roof. He expressed confidence that this approach would enhance patients' quality of life, reduce long-term complications, and help ease the financial burden on the public healthcare system.
A Public Health Emergency
Dr. Tanooja Hemoo highlighted the alarming prevalence of diabetes in Mauritius. According to the data she presented, about 20% of the population aged 25 to 74 lives with diabetes, while an additional 16% of adults are pre-diabetic.
The Regional Director of Health emphasized the crucial importance of early detection and prevention in effectively managing NCDs, underscoring the need to establish specialized centers dedicated to diabetes care.
A Turning Point in Chronic Disease Management
The opening of this Diabetes and Vascular Centre at Jeetoo Hospital represents much more than just an infrastructural expansion. It symbolizes a paradigm shift in the approach to chronic diseases, now prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and optimal care coordination.
With a fifth of the adult population affected by diabetes and a growing number of at-risk individuals, this government initiative arrives at a critical time to address one of the country’s most pressing health challenges. The four other centers planned as part of this national program will further strengthen this system, gradually offering Mauritians expanded access to quality specialized care.