In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Hon. Anwar Husnoo, stressed that eradicating or reducing non-communicable diseases needs joint action by the Ministry, development organisations, trade unions and NGOs. The collaboration with GSEA, he thus noted, is essential.

He explained the high cost to tax payers of treating patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and renal failure, and that concerted efforts of the government, health workers and other stakeholders could contribute to lessening costs.

In his address, Brother R. Sadien, GSEA President, said that the union will mobilise the support of health workers in Mauritius for all public health initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.

“As a trade union, GSEA is concerned with improving conditions of service of its members. We recognise that this is inseparable from efforts aimed at realising the right to health of all people resident in Mauritius. This is necessary for building a better and more inclusive society,” he said.

The United Nations High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth report also shows that improving employment and working conditions of health and social workers is central to ensuring better health for all as well as economic growth and development.

Apart from the discussions held during the event, the GSEA organised free health screening activities for breast cancer and cervical cancer, and blood donations. Non-communicable disease (NCD) profile tests were also done for free.

Following the positive response from those present, the GSEA plans to organise similar activities across the country and reach a wider audience with the message of intensified collaboration to make quality healthcare available to all Mauritians.