Health Labour Market Analysis: An Analysis of the Health Sector Labor Market in Mauritius

An analysis of the health labor market in Mauritius is underway, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative, called the Health Labour Market Analysis, aims to provide a precise overview of human resources in the health sector in Mauritius.

Despite strong overall indicators, the country faces structural challenges. With a workforce of 13,000 people across 375 positions, many roles remain unfilled. This situation is largely due to retirements, the migration of professionals abroad, a lack of training, and often lengthy and complex recruitment procedures.

According to the WHO, Mauritius has one of the highest densities of doctors and nurses in the African region, with nearly 32 doctors and 36 nurses and midwives per 10,000 residents.

This indicator might suggest a robust system, but the reality on the ground reveals significant tensions: shortages in certain specialties, high workloads, burnout, and, above all, an uneven distribution of healthcare professionals across the country.

Furthermore, there is increasing pressure on the system: between 2022 and 2024, the number of primary care centers increased from 147 to 268, a rise of 82%. This undeniable progress in access to care requires more personnel to operate effectively.

Private establishments are also struggling with recruitment issues, further exacerbating tensions across the entire sector.