An induction course for 65 newly recruited doctors at the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity opened, this morning, at the Hennessy Hotel, Ebène. The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, was present.
The induction course aims to provide participants with an understanding of the functioning of the Medical Unit of the Ministry as well as an overview of the legal framework within which they are called upon to operate. They will also familiarise themselves with the concept of quality and timely service to beneficiaries.
In her keynote address, Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo recalled Government's commitment towards social support measures and the wellbeing of those who are the most vulnerable. She highlighted that some Rs 38,6 billion have been earmarked for the financial year 2021-2022 adding that around 96% of these funds are allocated to pensions and social aid.
Speaking about the responsibilities of the Medical Unit of the Ministry, she pointed out that they include the assessment of applications by Medical boards for basic invalidity pensions and carer’s allowance; appeals to be determined by Medical Tribunals against the decision of medical boards; visits to 27 charitable institutions; yearly anti-influenza vaccinations for the elderly and children with disabilities attending special needs schools; medical visits at home to 26,038 beneficiaries of a carer's allowance; and response to additional needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the vaccination of bedridden persons, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
She underlined that high standards of medical care and ethics are therefore sought out at the level of the Ministry. As such, we must be ready and willing to regularly review and improve our services to meet the needs of a growing number of beneficiaries, she said. Hence the need to regularly increase the number of doctors in our team so that beneficiaries benefit from easy, prompt, and regular access to medical care in the comfort and privacy of their homes, she added.
The Social Security Minister further recalled that in 2019, only 47 doctors were working at the Ministry and in 2020, 250 additional doctors were recruited. This year, a new batch of 65 doctors has joined the team. She rejoiced that this dedicated team will be able to care for an increased number of beneficiaries especially those above 60 years. While we want our elders to live longer, we also want them to live well. Part of our efforts to enhance their quality of life involves providing them with good standards of medical care at home, she said.
Addressing the new recruits, Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo underpinned that medical doctors are watchmen over our health and wellbeing. She expressed confidence that they will serve their patients to the best of their abilities by caring for the sick, promoting good health, and alleviating pain and suffering. She informed that in the course of their career, they will face numerous challenges and encouraged them to perform their duties diligently while demonstrating the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.
The Induction Course
The induction course, to be held in two batches, comprises several themes. They include: Mental health for elderly and persons with disabilities; overview of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity; National Pension Act, National Pension Appeal Tribunal, Medical Appeal Tribunal; elderly abuse; domiciliary visit/protocol for Medical Officers; medical visit to charitable institutions and foyer Trochetia; and medical guidelines and assessment of claimants on medical boards.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Mauritius.
