A consultative workshop focusing on the Public Health Bill 2026 draft, was launched by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation and Acting Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, this morning, at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène.
The workshop, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the World Health Organisation (WHO), aimed at reviewing and modernising the existing Public Health Act of 1925 so as to strengthen the country’s public health legislative framework and align it with present-day health priorities, the International Health Regulations (2005) and international best practices.
The WHO Country Representative to Mauritius, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye; the Acting Director General of Health Services, Dr Ashwamedsing Dinassing; WHO Consultant, Dr Kilinda Kilei Imanuel; as well as health professionals and stakeholders from various sectors, were also present on the occasion.
In his address, Dr Ramtohul underlined that the review of the century-old Public Health Act marks a major milestone in the evolution of Mauritius’ healthcare system. He highlighted that the 1925 legislation was designed for a very different era, long before the advent of modern epidemiology, antibiotics, air travel, and today’s complex public health realities.
Mauritius, he pointed out, now faces new health challenges such as emerging diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health issues and the growing impact of digitalisation in healthcare, which require a stronger and more adaptable legal framework.
The Acting Health Minister further emphasised that digital health transformation and integrated information systems are vital for improving healthcare delivery, noting that the ongoing e-health system rollout enables secure access to medical records across hospitals, ensuring faster and more efficient patient care.
He also outlined the importance of data protection, ethical management of electronic medical records and preparedness in responding to health emergencies.
Dr Gueye and Dr Dinassing both underscored the importance of the Draft Public Health Bill 2026 in strengthening the country’s healthcare system and public health governance.
Dr Dinassing stressed on the need for a practical and operational legal framework to ensure rapid, coordinated, and accountable responses to health emergencies and evolving health challenges. As for Dr Gueye, he called for innovation, stronger primary healthcare, digital transformation and preparedness against global public health threats.
Public Health Bill 2026
The Government Programme 2025–2029 and Budget Speech 2025–2026, provide for the reviewing and modernisation of the Public Health Act of 1925, including the setting up of a health regulatory body to oversee health services, quality control, drug testing and service pricing. In this context, Consultant, Dr Kilinda Kilei Imanuel will assist the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the review process of the Public Health Act 1925.
Date: 22 May 2026
Source: GIS News
Topics: Health