Madam Speaker, with your permission, I will reply to this Parliamentary Question. Medical tourism constitutes a niche market in our tourism product offering, just like cultural tourism and sports tourism, amongst others. As per statistics provided by the Economic Development Board in 2025, there are over 4,000 foreign patients visiting Mauritius annually for medical and wellness treatments. Approximately 1,000 patients, out of these foreign patients, are from Africa, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros. Given the growth potential of this niche market, the Ministry of Tourism has, since August 2025, initiated the development of an action plan aimed at advancing medical tourism in Mauritius in collaboration with the Economic Development Board. The action plan aims at – (i) developing and promoting Mauritius as a leading destination for medical tourism; (ii) facilitating investment in healthcare facilities, wellness centres and medical support infrastructure; (iii) promoting cross-sector synergies between healthcare providers, travel operators and hospitality services, and (iv) increasing international awareness of Mauritius’ medical tourism offerings. Madam Speaker, to support the preparation of this action plan, the Ministry of Tourism held a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the private healthcare providers, the Medical Council, the Prime Minister's Office and the Passport and Immigration Office. These consultations were intended to gather valuable insights on the further development of medical tourism, to assess the issues and challenges currently faced by stakeholders, and to identify priority areas for improvement and policy interventions. The following challenges were highlighted – (i) lack of common and shared vision regarding medical tourism in Mauritius, with no clear definition thereto; (ii) poor coordination and support between public and private health providers; (iii) different specialised high quality medical services being marketed individually by the different service providers; (iv) poor visibility of our specialised high-quality medical services on the international market, and (v) lengthy administrative procedures both for foreign clients and the operators. Madam Speaker, I am informed that a first draft of the action plan has been elaborated, in March 2026, and circulated to key stakeholders to gather their views and comments prior to validation and finalisation thereof. With regard to the benefits that medical tourism will bring to our country and how it will enhance its attractiveness, I must inform the House, Madam Speaker, that medical tourism will – (a) no doubt position Mauritius as a destination for both high-quality healthcare and leisure experiences, especially over the recent years, where our country has been investing in the development of public and private healthcare facilities equipped with advanced medical technologies and internationally trained practitioners; (b) enhance international visibility and reputation of Mauritius as a modern, professional and service oriented destination, more specifically among African countries, taking into account our strategic location between Africa and Asia, and (c) stimulate investment in healthcare infrastructure, technology and facilities, boost local suppliers and value chains such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, rehabilitation and wellness centres. Madam Speaker, our country has significant potential to establish itself as a competitive medical tourism destination, supported by its modern healthcare infrastructure, qualified medical professionals and strong reputation for safety and political stability. For this, we require concerted efforts from all stakeholders in the health sector, coordinated actions, synergy between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and above all, a well-formulated strategy. I am sure, Madam Speaker, that the action plan which has been elaborated in consultation with relevant stakeholders, whether in the health sector or otherwise, will chart out the way for the development of a proper medical tourism sector in our country. I have no doubt that in the years to come, the medical tourism sector will not only be one of our strategic economic pillars, but also a main driver of our foreign exchange earnings.

Yes!

Just one supplementary. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the hon. Minister be agreeable to share the draft action plan with us, parliamentarians, as well, before its validation? The draft action plan.

I will check with the substantive Minister. If it is possible, we will do it.

Yes, Ms Collet!

Merci beaucoup, Madame la présidente. Est-ce que l’honorable ministre pourrait indiquer à la Chambre si ce premier brouillon de l'action plan inclut des services pour les étrangers souffrant d’infertilité ?

Il ne va pas savoir !

Allow me to check with the substantive Minister. Of course, we will discuss about the details in the future.

So, basically, we do not know which areas? Yes. So, let us find. I will take another question. Hon. First Member for Port-Louis North! LOCAL AUTHORITIES - RECENT RECRUITMENT EXERCISE