Madam Speaker, in fact, the answer is in the positive. I am aware that there is a project for the construction of a ground plus three buildings comprising inter alia an Accident and Emergency Department, Non-Communicable Diseases Services, a Pharmacy Department, Laboratory Services, and a Psychotherapy Unit. The project is still at the design stage, and I will see to it that the process is activated.

24 In the meantime, the services being provided at the existing hospital will be upgraded to provide, in the first instance, a 24/7 hours service for general medicine, cardiac services, paediatric, and antenatal care.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can I ask for a humble request from the Minister if the ministry can, on a short-term solution, see to the better functioning of the Mahebourg Hospital as there are more than 100,000 inhabitants that use the services of this hospital?

Madam Speaker, I can give the assurance to the hon. Member that in the days to come, I will conduct a personal visit to the hospital and try to make efforts to improve all the services that are there.

Thank you, hon. Minister. I do not like to be called ‘Sir,’ I am sorry. Just Madam Speaker will be okay! Next question, hon. Fourth Member of Port Louis North and Montagne Longue, Mr A. Duval! FORTHCOMING MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS – DUE DATE