Madam Speaker, at the outset, I wish to reassure the House that Government is fully conscious of the shortage of nursing staff in our health institutions, including Rodrigues. Madam Speaker, as regards enlistment in the nursing cadre, I am informed that under the present framework the entry grade is Trainee Nurse. Trainee Nurses are presently required to undergo a three-year training programme. The programme comprises theoretical and practical components in all aspects of the work of a nursing officer at approved institutions. On successful completion of this programme, which includes the passing of an examination leading to the award of the National Diploma Level 6 in Nursing, Trainee Nurses become eligible for registration with Nursing Council of Mauritius. Upon such registration, they may be considered for appointment as Nursing Officers, subject to availability of vacancies. Those who do not meet the entry criteria for the National Diploma in Nursing at the School of Nursing may opt to pursue training at Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd. These courses are also accredited and awarded by the Mauritius Institute of Health. Madam Speaker, the current scheme of service does not allow direct enlistment of nurses trained in institutions other than courses run by the Ministry. I am further informed that the current scheme of service is being reviewed so as to make provision for the recruitment of duly registered nurses trained in other institutions in the absence of qualified Trainee Nurses. This proposal is currently being examined by the Public Service Commission. As you may be aware, it takes a number of years to train a nursing officer. However, the previous government did not recruit adequate number of nurses in order to ensure availability of sufficient number of nurses. It is only this year, in the Budget Speech of 2025- 2026 that provision has been made for the enlistment of 1,000 nurses over the next three years. A first batch of 300 Trainee Nurses has already been enlisted since 22 September 2025 and the training will start this month. My Ministry further plans to enlist 500 nurses in the next financial year and 200 in financial year 2027-2028. Thus, in the coming years, we will have sufficient number of trained nurses to cater for our public.

49 Madam Speaker, moreover as an immediate measure to palliate the shortage of nursing officers, my Ministry has already enlisted the services of 36 nursing officers on a sessional basis. My Ministry is also considering the enlistment of additional 19 nurses. As regards, Rodrigues Island, I am informed that the recruitment of nurses is carried out by Rodrigues Regional Assembly and the courses are dispensed by Polytechnics Mauritius and the School of Nursing. A batch of 166 students presently following courses at the School of Nursing, including 29 students from Rodrigues are expected to complete the diploma in Nursing Course by June 2026.

Thank you. Hon. First Member for Piton and Rivière du Rempart! PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES – EMPLOYMENT – MEASURES