The Government Covers Ras Natty Baby's Medical Bills for His Repatriation
The government will cover all medical expenses for Ras Natty Baby abroad. This announcement was made on Tuesday by Health Minister Anil Bachoo via a Facebook post.
The decision was prompted by the refusal of the organization that facilitated the artist's transfer abroad to cover the hospital bill, despite public fundraising efforts. In light of this situation, the state has decided to intervene directly through the Ministry of Health to ensure the repatriation of the body as soon as possible.
The minister also provided details on the circumstances surrounding the transfer. Ras Natty Baby was admitted to Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital, where he was receiving medical care. Doctors had considered a transfer to a specialized facility abroad, but only once his vital signs were stabilized. This transfer was eventually organized by a third-party organization, outside the usual institutional framework.
The government justifies its intervention by highlighting the artist's significant contribution to Mauritian culture, asserting its intention to act responsibly to rectify the situation quickly, out of respect for the deceased and his family.
Ras Natty Baby, whose real name was Joseph Nicolas Emilien, passed away yesterday in India at the age of 72. He had traveled to the Indian subcontinent on April 8 to receive medical treatment.