“Five-star hospitals are a wonderful gift from the sun”

The new Sir Anerud Jagannath Hospital in Flac Constance opened with a grand ceremony on Tuesday. The project is expected to transform the healthcare landscape in the East. More than 5,000 people gathered for the much-anticipated event, which reflects the government’s commitment to improving the country’s health infrastructure.

The hospital grounds were in a festive mood on Tuesday afternoon as buses were brought out and a huge canopy was erected to accommodate the thousands present, the entire government cabinet, elected representatives from the constituency and the Jagannath family, including Mrs Sarojini Jagannath and Ashok Jagannath. The first speaker was Health Minister Dr Kailesh Jagutpal, who explained the transition from Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital in Flac to Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital in Constance. “All appointments scheduled at Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital will now be conducted at the new hospital. This includes all services from paediatrics to cardiology to surgery. The emergency department at the new hospital is fully functional but for continuity of service, a satellite system will be retained at Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital during the transition period. Walk-in services will also be available at the new hospital.” The minister was delighted with the modern hospital, which he described as a gem and will also be a university. The 500-bed hospital was built at a cost of about Rs 600 crore, funded by Dubai Fund and designed by HSCC (India) Ltd. The facility welcomed its first patients from 8 am on Monday (see below).

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth addressed an enthusiastic crowd at Mahatma Gandhi College after teachers sang a song. He stressed the strategic importance of the brand new hospital in a policy aimed at improving healthcare. “Today is a historic day for Flacq and our entire country. With this new infrastructure, we reaffirm our desire to provide accessible, high-quality care to all citizens.” He felt it was important to name the Sir Anerudh Jagannath Hospital after his father, who created the biggest economic miracle and made history. “There was a time when Sir Anerode was in power, people said there was nothing left in the country. It was said that one had to eat cassava to turn it into handicraft. He then reviewed the various flagship projects that have been implemented and are about to be implemented and the significant investments in the health sector. “This hospital will not only relieve congestion in our existing structures and provide modern equipment for healthcare professionals, but will also enhance responses to the growing medical emergency needs.”

（The Prime Minister meets with hospital staff.）

The hospital offers a wide range of different services: a 24/7 emergency room, operating rooms equipped with the latest technology, modern obstetrics and gynecology and specialized cardiology, pediatric services, and more. The work was carried out in accordance with the strictest environmental standards to ensure that the space is not only functional, but also welcoming to everyone. Residents expressed pride in this major development; many expressed relief that they finally have a facility that can effectively respond to medical emergencies without having to travel to the capital. During the Prime Minister’s tour of the new institution, some people did not hesitate to stop him and congratulate him. ‘You will win the next election boss’ or “Pena reveals MSM memory” even “This is not a hospital, it’s a hotel”As he ended his speech to loud applause, you could see the smiles on the faces of residents hoping for better healthcare services. With this successful inauguration, Flack is preparing for a future centered around collective well-being.

Just opened it and already have some issues…

（Due to lack of adequate transport service planning, patients and their loved ones have to scramble to find seats on buses.）

Since Monday, many patients have been heading to the Sir Anerud Jagannath Hospital in Konstanz. However, some of them did not hesitate to highlight the difficulties they face. The main problem: transportation. “I had to come by taxi and the driver had to wait for me because we didn’t know how long my appointment would last”Sheila, a resident of St.-Julien-d’Hotman, revealed that she had to pay Rs900 for the tournament, which already made her depressed at the thought of having to return there in a few weeks. “You have to plan your budget to go to the hospital”she added.

A small train station has been built next to the new hospital, with several bus stops. However, no contact has been established with the relevant departments yet. Flacq Bus Owners Cooperative Ltd. “We heard through rumours that the hospital would be officially opened today (editor’s note, Tuesday). But we didn’t even receive an official invitation. We could have sent a representative, especially since our buses serve the area.”” explained a manager, adding that the authorities could have consulted them because currently no one knew whether the hospital would be open every day or what services would be provided there. “We don’t even know if there will be tours and admissions. It’s still unclear at the moment.”he emphasized.

The official pointed out that the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) could at least organise a meeting with the Flak Bus Owners Cooperative Limited to provide continuous services to the hospital institution. “There is a lack of communication with this authority. Currently, only buses running between Flacq and Port Louis pass through this route and vice versa. If we were at least informed of this vacancy, we could plan a proper service.”

Besides transportation issues, other difficulties arose in the first few days. Some patients complained about the lack of drinking fountains. “There’s not even a canteen where you can buy a bottle of water.”lamented the patients. Many hoped for the arrival of street vendors, who would surely offer food and drinks. The lack of signage at the large hospital was also criticized by patients, who hoped that these gaps would be filled soon.