Dr. Sunil Gunness, GOSK: "A Long-Term Endeavor That Began in 1983"
Among the individuals honored this year is Dr. Teeluck Kumar (Sunil) Gunness, a cardiac surgeon known for his long-standing commitment to the development of cardiac surgery in Mauritius. He has been awarded the title of Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
The specialist does not hide his emotion. "This is a great pride for me and my family," he shared. He also expressed gratitude to the country's authorities for this recognition. "I thank the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic for this honor. A big thank you to my wife Véronique, who has supported me throughout this journey," he stated.
Beyond his personal achievement, Dr. Sunil Gunness believes that this distinction primarily rewards a collective effort. "This award also belongs to my colleagues, the nurses, the staff, and the administration of the Cardiac Centre," he emphasized. According to him, the success of this institution is built on teamwork that began several decades ago.
The surgeon recalls that this adventure started in the 1990s when Mauritius decided to develop a local team specialized in cardiac surgery. Since then, the Cardiac Centre has established itself as a reference in the region. "It’s a long-term endeavor that began in 1993. Today, the center is recognized in the Indian Ocean and even internationally."
Over the years, the establishment has kept pace with advancements in medical techniques. Dr. Gunness highlights that new technologies are quickly introduced for the benefit of Mauritian patients. "Whenever a new technique emerges in a major country, we ensure to adopt it swiftly so that patients can benefit from it here," he explained.
Serving the Population
As for his journey, Dr. Gunness first pursued his medical studies in France, thanks to a scholarship from the French government. He studied and worked in several cities: Marseille, Nantes, Toulouse, and Bordeaux, before specializing in cardiac surgery. He then practiced in various institutions in France and Monaco before choosing to return home.
His return to Mauritius was driven by a deep desire to serve the population. "I wanted to return to treat my parents, my community in Route Bassin, Quatre-Bornes, and contribute to the development of cardiac surgery in my country," he explains.
Today, the Cardiac Centre performs approximately a thousand cardiac surgeries per year, a significant volume for an institution of its size. For the surgeon, this figure reflects both the expertise developed locally and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the population. The new generation of medical professionals reassures Dr. Gunness. "I am happy to see that young doctors are taking over and continuing this work."
After more than three decades dedicated to cardiac surgery in Mauritius, this award marks an important milestone in his career. "This is a significant moment for me."
