Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that all prostate cancer patients in Mauritius are referred to the New Cancer Centre for treatment. The number of patients with prostate cancer registered in the department of oncology at the New Cancer Centre from 2020 to date is 714. I am further informed that there are currently 12 medical oncologists and one haematological oncologist that is, doctor who deals with blood cancers for example; leukaemia posted at the New Cancer Centre. The latter also attends regional hospitals to conduct follow up on patients who have completed their treatment on blood cancers. I am also informed that there are around 10 experienced and trained general surgeons with urology skills posted in all regional hospitals and New Cancer Centre for the surgical management of prostate cancer. Concerning part (b) of the question, as all other non-communicable diseases, the burden of cancer, particularly prostate cancer have increased over the years. The mortality incidence ratio of prostate cancer has decreased over time, indicating that less patients are dying of the disease compared to the new cases being diagnosed. This is due to a better cancer care management including early diagnosis and fast and modern therapeutic services.

55 Accordingly, for the period 2000 and 2024, 1731 deaths have been registered in relation to prostate cancer. I wish to inform the House that yesterday, I met a group on oncological surgeon from Max Super Hospital and I will also be receiving a group of surgeons from Birla Hospital on Thursday morning regarding their willingness to assist in oncology surgery training and bilateral collaboration between India and Mauritius as well as in the proposed setting up of a urology department in Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that my Ministry will leave no stone unturned in our fight against prostate cancer. My Ministry has implemented targeted health sensitisation campaigns to address modifiable risk factors of prostate cancer focusing on diet, smoking, obesity and physical activity. In addition, public education initiatives are also being held with a view to promoting a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables so as discouraging excessive consumption of red and processed meats. Furthermore, community-based programmes are also ongoing to encourage regular physical activity through wellness clubs and local fitness initiatives and to combat obesity through nutritional counselling in primary health centres and routine body mass index monitoring.

Yes, hon. Quirin!

M. le président, peut-on savoir quels sont les traitements actuellement qui sont recommandés aux patients qui sont atteints d’un cancer de la prostate dans les hôpitaux régionaux et aussi au New Cancer Centre ?

I have just mentioned, normally whenever we get such cases, we recommend the patients to the New Cancer Centre and I can assure the hon. Member that we are trying to bring in additional equipment in order to serve those patients and the regional hospitals are also looking after prostate cancer but cases which have arrived at an advanced stage, these are looked into at the National Cancer Centre.

M. le président, une autre question. Vu le nombre croissant de cas détectés de cancer de la prostate à un stade avancé – le ministre ne pense-t-il pas – il en a parlé dans sa réponse de campagne, de communication mais ce que je veux dire moi ce sont des campagnes à intervalles réguliers pour sensibiliser, conscientiser principalement les hommes à partir de la d’âge de 45 à 50 ans à effectuer le test PSA. Beaucoup ne sont pas au courant, beaucoup ne savent pas qu’à partir d’un certain âge, il faut effectuer le test PSA pour savoir si on est atteint de la maladie ou quel est le degré de cancer de la prostate.

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That is the reason why we have given a new turn to the NCD Unit which has undertaken that work. I know it is not an easy job but we have started it already and I can assure the hon. Member that we are going to expand our activity to sensitise the entire population on the danger of having such a disease.

Next question.

M. le président….

This question has already been answered. The hon. Third Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac! PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – EMPLOYMENT – AUDIT EXERCISE