Dr Oomar Uteem Specialist in cardiology

>In the context of World Health Day, what do you think will be the challenges that Mauritius has to meet?

Mauritius has a sad world record: the highest incidence of sudden death in young adults mainly due to non-communicable diseases. Diabetes, HBP, high level of cholesterol, lack of exercise and strong genetic factors are among the greatest culprits. More than 55% of Mauritians die of heart-related problems. This is our main battle in the medical sector.

>Do you think Mauritians are enough sensitized about their health?

Mauritians would spend thousands of rupees to travel abroad, to buy material things or to invest but how many of our compatriots do have regular check-ups? How many of our patients have a private medical insurance? Less than 10%. This is somehow quite abnormal in a country where the GDP rises to 5,000 USD. Mentalities are nevertheless changing.

>Are there enough doctors for the 1.2 million persons in Mauritius?

Our ratio is well within the required minima of the WHO 1:1000 inhabitants. But the level of our doctors varies a lot as the medical council recognizes so many universities from various countries. It is unconceivable to have doctors in 2006 without a proper training and basic qualifications. That?s how we end up with having fake laser treatment therapy against chikungunya as the latest example.

>What do you think could be done to face those illnesses?

Private doctors and clinics need to have more incentives from the ministry of Health to relieve the burden of the public sector. I deeply think that most of the primary and secondary health care should be the concern of the welfare state whereas tertiary care - specialized treatment such as high-tech surgery, transplantations or radio interventions - should be sub-contracted to private institutions. Quantity of care is not always equivalent to quality of care.

>What are the conditions that should prevail in the health sector?

We must definitely review our health structures. More interaction between all the actors is vital as no one can claim victory alone. But do we have the right people in the right place in the ministry of Health?

>Do you think our clinics and hospitals are sufficiently equipped?

Having one patient per bed in public hospitals can be interpreted as a great achievement! Our level of care is probably one of the best in Africa but, in some fields, we are far below what is performed in Europe or in the US.

>What are the future developments in the medical sector?

I don?t believe in medical hubs or medical tourism. One must understand that treating a human being has no price and should stay so. We became doctors for other reasons than to make business. Our country must look in other fields to attract investors. ?You can?t make money over patients? heads?.