Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that the number of MRIs and CT scan apparatus available in our public hospitals are four and seven, respectively. Three out of four MRIs and six out of seven CT scan apparatus are functional and are being used. With regard to part (b) of the question, consultants in charge and radiologists of the radiology department are reporting on MRIs and CT scans on a 24/7 basis per semi-urgent ward and emergency cases. As there are no MRI services at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital for the time being, the department of radiology at the Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital is carrying out the MRI imaging services once per week for cases referred by the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital. The same radiologists posted at the Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital also carry out MRIs for cases referred by Victoria Hospital after working hours for emergency cases. These arrangements have been put in place to ensure continuous access of MRI services. At the Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, the CT scans and MRIs are all functional and are all covered under the maintenance and repair contract to ensure optimum performance and minimise breakdowns. In addition, my Ministry has initiated procurement for acquisition of MRI and CT scan apparatus for Flacq Hospital. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, regarding part (c) of the question, I wish to inform the House that in view of the increasing number of patients awaiting reporting of the MRI and CT scans to decide on the way forward for further clinical management, it was decided to refer imaging to private clinics for reporting. Quotations were invited from private clinics with expression of interest, and clinics proposing the lowest prices were selected for outsourcing of the MRI and CT scan reporting. I am informed that since March 2024, three private clinics have been enlisted for referral of reporting in respect of routine non-urgent cases of MRI and CT scans done at the level of regional hospitals. I am also informed that the enlisted clinics are remunerated as at date.

Yes, hon. Dr. Aumeer.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. There is a contractual agreement that is happening between the Ministry of Health and private clinics for reporting of CT scans and MRIs. It is very unfortunate, and I have a document at hand, that the people who are

76 reporting these MRIs/CT scans are not registered – some of them – to the Medical Council of this country, thus posing a serious threat when it comes to medical legal issues. Those who are reporting them are not even on site in Mauritius, thereby depriving the patient the clinical picture and that is why there has been serious mistakes whereby a woman who has lost her uterus was told she still has one. So, I will urge the hon. Minister to see to it that primary reporting of MRIs and CT scans are done by our local radiologists and adhere to secondary reporting or second opinion with offsite radiologists from abroad. Thank you.

Hon. Minister.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have a big problem as far as radiologists are concerned. We have a lack of such radiologists in our country, a big lack in most of the hospitals. Secondly, I am not aware whether outsourcing was done from abroad but I will look into the issue, I can promise, if I can get a copy of paper which you have with you.

Yes, you have a supplementary on that question?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is reported that the scan apparatus in Rodrigues is out of order. Will the hon. Minister look into it, please?

Yes, I will.

The hon. First Member for Montagne Blanche and Grand River South East! PEPSI LANE & BRAMSTHAN ROAD, ECROIGNARD – REMEDIAL WORKS