Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that my Ministry has taken note of two photographs and a video circulating on social media, allegedly showing health personnel at Victoria Hospital in intoxicated state. In fact, these photographs and the video appear not to be recent ones as the environment is currently not the same as depicted. It is difficult to identify the two persons depicted in the photograph as their faces are not visible while being in a sitting position. However, as regards the video recording where an employee is admitting taking illicit substances, the said employee has been identified. He has been interdicted from exercise of the powers and functions of his office as attendant on shift on a casual basis with immediate effect under regulation 31(1) of Public Service Commission Regulations 1967 as subsequently amended as from 16 June 2026. I am further informed that this employee was recruited in 2022. As at date, he had not yet been appointed in a substantive capacity due to his recurrent misbehaviour, bad conduct, frequent absenteeism and ongoing police case. The police case is yet to be finalized. An investigation committee has been set up to look into the matter. The committee will also investigate into all suspected or reported cases of employees under the influence of intoxicating substances and making appropriate recommendations accordingly. In the meantime, two other employees who were suspected of taking drugs or other intoxicating substances, have been transferred to other hospitals. With regard to part (a) of the question, the inquiry is still ongoing and my Ministry will take appropriate actions in the light of findings thereof. With regard to part (b) of the question, I wish to inform the House that the code of ethics of public officers stipulate that they shall not consume any alcoholic drink, nor use and or abuse illicit drugs or controlled substances. Consuming alcoholic drinks in a public place which also includes the workplace is an offense under the Public Health Act. On conviction, any person is liable to a fine not exceeding Rs10,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months under Public Health Act. In addition, public officers are not allowed to smoke any tobacco product while on duty or in any public place or any other indoor area which is open to the public or where the public is permitted to have access. The offender is liable to a fine of not less than Rs5,000 and not exceeding Rs10,000 and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months. My Ministry has taken the following measures to sensitize personnel in medical institutions on not consuming alcohol and illicit substances thereat. Continuous supervision, monitoring by heads of department and supervisors and conduct of surprise checks particularly during night shifts to ensure compliance with the standard of conduct expected of public officers. A referral of officers where necessary for assessment, treatment including counselling and psychosocial support at specialized centres, namely Dr. Jeetoo Hospital and Brown Sequard Mental Healthcare Centre. Awareness programmes on the ill effects of substance abuse, working sessions held with ADSU to sensitize health personnel on substance abuse and setting up of a flying squad to search staff for any illicit products. Issue of a circular to inform officers on the consequences of consumption of alcoholic drinks during official hours and disciplinary procedures according to regulation 36 of the Public Service Commission in case of misconduct.

Yes, hon. Member.

Merci, M. le président. Will the hon. Minister confirm whether there is a direct link of illicit consumption of cough mixture and the personnel who were under the influence of drugs, keeping in mind that a half-filled, unsealed cough mixture bottle was disposed by pharmacy of Victoria Hospital?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my question is related to the utilization of alcoholic drinks in hospitals. This has nothing to do with the issue that the honourable member is raising. It had never been proved in any way. We have investigated and these are separate issues. The issue about which she has asked me a question concerns drunkenness, illicit liquor and drugs in hospitals.

Yes, hon. Member.

M. le président, pour répondre à la question de l'honorable ministre, peut-il dire si des surprise checks sont organisés par sa hiérarchie pour s'assurer du bon fonctionnement dans les hôpitaux publics et que fait-il pour résoudre ce problème ?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, even I visit hospitals regularly at night and my state of health has gone down as a result of repeated regular visits at night these days. I do it. My officers are doing it. I am not in a position to tell you whether we are going to attain 100% success because whenever they consume alcohol, they will never do it in my presence but I can assure the House that the maximum is being done in order to control those bad elements in our hospitals. I have not recruited them. Unfortunately, they are here since long.

The hon. second member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES – SAFEGUARDS & REGULATORY MEASURES