WHITE PAPER on Health Sector Development &
Reform
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Abstract: The White
Paper on Health Sector Development and Reform proposes the Action
Plan for Health. The aim of the Action Plan is to improve the level
of health in Mauritius and the range and quality of health services,
to meet the present and future needs of the people. The White Paper
reviews the progress that has been made in the last two years in
the development of services and identifies specific furthe r new
and expanded services that are necessary, to secure in Mauritius
the levels of health and of health services, that are enjoyed by
people in developed countries. Mauritius has been doing well, but
it can do better.
The principal developments proposed include a 24 hour
family doctor service, major expansion of high tech, diagnostic
and treatment services, new and improved hospitals and health centres
and a greater emphasis on health promotion and preventive medicine.
The Action Plan proposes the introduction of an assets management
approach for the health services estate, to renew and maintain buildings
and equipment in full working order. It includes a better deal for
staff as part of a human resources development plan, with 3,900
extra jobs and a programme of continuing education and training.
Quality assurance is to be extended to all facilities to improve
the effectiveness and efficiency of services, and a Patient’s
Charter will be put in place to promote consumer protection.
The results expected from the plan include an increase
in the expectation of life to above 75 years, further reductions
in infant and maternal deaths; increase in the numbers of life saving
heart operations, and in the capacity to reduce deaths from kidney
failure through expansion of kidney dialysis and transplant services.
Further improvements will be made in the quality of prevention and
care for those with hypertension and diabetes to reduce the risk
of complication from these conditions. Mental health services will
be reformed. Health promotion will focus on improvements in lifestyle
to reduce tobacco use and alcohol abuse, increase exercise and improve
diet. Programmes will also be strengthened to provide more support
to the most disadvantaged people whose health is affected by poverty,
homelessness, disabilities and malnutrition.
The cost of these developments is beyond what can be expected in
the medium term from the normal budget sources. Options for supplementary
finance for the Action Plan are presented, including national health
insurance, extra incentives for the development of the private sector,
conversion of the National Savings Fund, health taxes on tobacco
and alcohol, an efficiency drive within the health sector and charges
for health services.
The White Paper is published for public consultation
and views are invited to be submitted by 31 March 2003 to promote
the widest possible debate on priorities and methods of funding
as a basis for national policy.
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