The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is supporting the government of Mauritius in the acquisition of a national digital health system. A collaboration deal was signed to this effect between the two parties last January 26 in Port Louis.

The deal is part of the government’s ambition to promote high-quality, affordable, user-centered care while encouraging higher levels of internal efficiency and effectiveness. Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal (pictured), Minister of Health and Welfare, revealed that the UNDP's financial contribution to the project was more than $2.7 million. The Japanese government also contributed $418,000, and the Mauritian government raised more than $3 million for the project.

The digital health system will open up new opportunities and guide the planning, allocation, monitoring, and evaluation of resources, Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal said. “It will also provide the technology required to improve the health awareness levels of the citizens, thus paving the way for a new era in healthcare delivery in Mauritius,” he added.

The health system in Mauritius faced many challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. The government has therefore adopted a solution called E-health, in the framework of the Strategic Healthcare Plan 2020-2024 launched on August 12, 2020.

In addition to the financial support, UNDP plans to catalyze financing from other partners.

Muriel Edjo