Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that under the current system a medical assessment is carried out by medical practitioners of my Ministry to determine the eligibility of applicants to the Invalid’s Basic Pension or Disability Allowance and Carer’s Allowance. As at date, there 345 medical practitioners employed on sessional basis, serving the Medical Unit of my Ministry. Assessments are carried out either by a medical board, which comprises two medical practitioners or by one medical practitioner at the claimant’s residence for those whose mobility is limited and who cannot attend the medical board. Madam Speaker, I am informed that prior to COVID-19 pandemic, medical boards were carried out in public hospitals, area health centres and in social security offices across the island. The last medical board at SSRN Hospital was held on 09 March 2020 and was subsequently ceased due COVID-19 pandemic. However, for patients who were admitted in the Brown Sequard Hospital, medical assessment has been continued in the said institution till date.

85 I am further informed that since year 2023, medical assessments are being carried out at the Moka Eye Hospital and the Souillac Hospital for cases of visual impairments. Thus, at present, medical boards related to disability benefits or pensions are being conducted in 15 social security offices in Mauritius and Moka Eye Hospital, Souillac Hospital and Brown Sequard Hospital. I am tabling, for the attention of the Members, a complete list of the centres. Madam Speaker, I wish to highlight that my Ministry is currently in the process of reforming the Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance system. The conduct of medical boards in public hospitals has been considered in this context as it will facilitate access to medical records of applicants. A first round of discussion has already been held with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Once the holistic reform and its new assessment model is ready to be implemented, we will then reevaluate the necessity of holding medical boards in hospitals or in some of the hospitals. Of course, in this context, necessary clearance will be sought from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Now, the hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! Have I missed one? I am sorry one moment. Just I keep getting little papers about being withdrawn etc., so sometimes I may lose sight. So, the next one is Mr Ramdass. But if I make a mistake, you just tell me. ROSE BELLE AREA HEALTH CENTRE – METHADONE DAILY DISTRIBUTION – RELOCATION