(9.36 p.m.) RODRIGUES MEDICAL APPEAL TRIBUNAL - PENDING CASES & NEF BENEFICIARIES

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Rapidly, the issue I am raising tonight is addressed to the hon. Minister of Social Security, Social Integration and National Solidarity with regard to the non-scheduled sittings of Medical Appeal Tribunal delayed and non-renewal of contract of NEF beneficiaries in Rodrigues. I am informed that the last sitting of the Medical Tribunal in Rodrigues dated back more than a year ago, precisely since March 2025, and there are few pending cases amongst which are cases of Schizophrenia. One will understand that these vulnerable persons cannot even apply for any other support at the Social Security, for a normal BIP after 6 months, and they are penalised twice until their cases are attended by the Tribunal. The Tribunal used to sit on a quarterly basis, that is, 4 times a year to attend appeal for Basic Invalidity Pension (BIP) and Basic Retirement pension, severely handicapped, BRP-SH cases in Rodrigues. In addition, there also a problem with beneficiaries of NEF whose contracts have terminated and awaiting visit. I understand that there is an administrative and coordination issue with regard to the lengthy process of application and visit at the level of Regional Assembly, then signature of NEF contract by NEF, and delays in payment thereof. In the meantime, while awaiting renewal of their contracts, the potential beneficiaries and their school children are being penalised and life is becoming a misery for them. In that regard, I will humbly request the hon. Minister to see to it for urgent remedial actions by his Ministry, the Medical Tribunal and NEF in collaboration with the Regional Assembly pour kapav ed rapidement sa bann dimounn vulnerab ek pou plis efikacite ek zistis dan sa procesis de verifikasyon. I thank you. The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity (Mr A. Subron): I thank the hon. Member. Let me say, I am outraged since this morning because I have just confirmed that the Medical Tribunal, effectively, did not have any session since March 2025. There were, in October 2025, 42 people awaiting, 31 March 2026, 81 people awaiting. This is blatant discrimination. This is blatant disrespect to the people of Rodrigues. So, I will, as from tomorrow look into the matter and take appropriate actions. This is just unacceptable. On the second issue, let me inform you that there is a coordination problem. But the whole NEF issue, integration and empowerment are being discussed right now. There are several meetings with the Ministry of Finance but I must inform the House of one important thing. Most of the of the support under the National Empowerment Foundation goes to the Rodriguan population. It is more than 40% and 16% of the population of Rodrigues are under the National Empowerment Foundation. I think, it is very, very important to understand at this moment that had it not been the case, we would have a massive migration in Mauritius. We know the impact of this migration because many of the people are our compatriots coming from Rodrigues, they live in precarious condition. So, the experience of Rodrigues will be taken into consideration, when we will be reviewing the NEF and the poverty threshold, as well as the integration and empowerment dimension of the National Empowerment Foundation. Thank you, hon. Member.

Thank you very much, hon. Minister. Yes, I thank everybody. I thank all those who have been working this evening. At 9.39 p.m. the Assembly was, on its rising, adjourned to Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 11.30 a.m.