Mauritius: Riche Mare dialysis unit has been relocated to Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) Hospital. After the relocation the hospital will now facilitate broader access to vital dialysis treatments to the patients. This will make sure that more patients receive comprehensive care.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal was happy with the new development. He made these remarks during the opening of the new dialysis unit at SAJ Hospital. The opening was held on Tuesday afternoon, in Constance, Flacq.
The SAJ Hospital’s new dialysis unit is equipped with 37 dialysis machines. The number also includes two machines that are reserved for backup.
The number excludes two machines which are designated for emergency use in the ICU. Each machine costs Rs 400,000, resulting in a total expenditure of Rs 14.8 million.
Additionally, a new Water Treatment Plant, essential for the unit, has been installed at a cost of Rs 7.5 million. The unit serves 233 dialysis patients in the Flacq region and operates with one nephrologist and a dedicated nursing team.
It provides four dialysis sessions daily and is open from 07:00 hours to 23:30 hours, six days a week, with closures on Sundays. Minister Jagutpal highlighted the significance of transferring the Riche Mare dialysis unit to SAJ Hospital.
He said that this transition marks a crucial phase requiring substantial effort. He explained that the Riche Mare dialysis unit had been operating since 2003. It was initially located in a rented building and the transition has shifted it into a more permanent position.
The Health Minister also reassured that the new unit at SAJ Hospital is equipped with advanced dialysis machines. It also has a vital Water Treatment Plant which will enhance the quality of healthcare and dialysis services.
The event was attended by several government officials and politicians, including:
- Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Darsanand Balgobin
- Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Sudheer Maudhoo
Minister Balgobin also commented on the new development during the opening of the dialysis unit. He acknowledged that the large scale of SAJ Hospital means not all services can be implemented immediately.
He also assured the community that while the dialysis unit has been inaugurated, additional services will be gradually introduced. They will continue to enhance healthcare quality.
Furthermore, he announced that, due to the high usage of the hospital by people from the region and nearby villages, Government is also working on improving transport access, including options for taxis, buses, and cars.