(Withdrawn) CANCER CARE ECOSYSTEM – CARE STANDARDS (No. B /149) Mr J. F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to cancer care ecosystem for better care for all, he will state the – (a) innovative policy and redefinition of care standards and meaningful change thereof, if any (b) percentage of cancer death, and (c) most common type of cancer being diagnosed in the Republic of Mauritius.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that my Ministry has adopted a comprehensive strategy to strengthening the cancer care ecosystem. This includes enhancing primary healthcare services, improving early detection, expanding access to treatment and providing supportive care. The National Cancer Centre inaugurated in 2024, is at the forefront of cancer care in the country. This 200-bed-facility offers comprehensive services including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, imaging, surgery and palliative care. The centre provides modern radiotherapy treatments such as 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and the installation of High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is currently under way. The Radiology Unit is fully equipped with x-ray, CT scan, MRI, echography, cardiac imaging, thoracoscopy and mammography machines. Additionally, a Nuclear Medicine Unit has been established with PET/CT and SPECT-CT equipment, with PET/CT awaiting commissioning, that is, not yet operational. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, chemotherapy services are being delivered in a patient-friendly environment with approximately 70 patient receiving chemotherapy daily. Since 2025, chemotherapy services have been decentralised with the five regional hospital ensuring

46 greater access for patients across the country. Efforts are also in progress to approve and introduce new chemotherapeutic agents to expand the range of available treatment options. In the field of surgical oncology, the National Cancer Centre has fully equipped operating theatres with regular visits from foreign experts in the surgical oncology to enhance the quality of care. The visits also serve in training of our health care professionals to identify early signs of cancer allowing for timely referrals to specialists and improving the likelihood of successful treatment. In addition, basic laboratory investigations are available at the centre to support diagnosis and treatment decisions and the pharmacy operates until 22hrs daily to ensure that patients have access to essential medications. The hospital formulary is also regularly updated to include the latest chemotherapeutic agents ensuring that patients have access to the most effective treatment available. It is important to note that cancer prevention education has also been integrated into school curriculum and community outreach programmes are being carried out to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage early intervention. As part of prevention strategy, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme for boys and girls aged 9 to 14 years is being prioritised. Furthermore, nationwide screening programmes such as Caravane de santé initiative are being rolled out to promote early detection of cancers like breast and cervical cancer. Health professionals are conducting regular mammography sessions and clinical examinations to ensure that cancers are identified at an early stage leading to better treatment outcomes. My Ministry has also taken significant steps to improve palliative and psychosocial care including mental health counselling for cancer patients. In addition to hospital based palliative care, home-based care models are being envisaged with the aim to alleviate the burden on hospitals and provide patients with comfort of receiving care at home. This integrated approach reflects the Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive cancer care, from prevention and early detection to treatment and support ensuring that every individual has access to high quality care throughout their cancer journey. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that according to National Cancer Registry Report 2023, cancer accounted for 13.1% of all deaths in the Republic of Mauritius.

47 With regard to part (c) of the question, I am informed that the five most common cancer sites in Mauritius for men are – (i) Prostate; (ii) Colorectal; (iii) Lung; (iv) Mouth, and (v) Pharynx and stomach. I am further informed that for women the five most common cancer sites are – (i) Breast; (ii) Colorectal; (iii) Corpus uteri; (iv) Ovary, and (v) Cervix uteri.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. I thank the hon. Minister for his answer. Well, we are not doctors. May I ask the hon. Minister whether his Ministry is planning to implement over-advanced diagnostics for cancer like using AI or molecular diagnostic?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have just started and I can assure the hon. Member that everything is being done to make use of the most modern sophisticated equipment which may be available outside Mauritius.

Just a last supplementary. Is there any statistics on the survival rates for cancer patient in our Republic?

I do not have that information with me right now.

Hon. First Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! PUBLIC SCHOOLS – AUTISTIC CHILDREN – FACILITIES PROVIDED