4 March 2024

Expat doctors bringing their expertise to Mauritius

“The diverse patient population has allowed me to encounter a wide range of medical cases” Dr. RAMEEZ N. Hussain

Lead Consultant – Ophthalmology & Senior Consultant in Vitreo Retina Surgery at C-Care Wellkin Hospital and C-Care Grand Baie Hospital, Dr. Rameez N. Hussain has been living in Mauritius for seven years now. Originally from Cochin, Kerala, India, the doctor is the winner of two American Academy Awards (American Academy of Ophthalmology), recipient of the International Education Award 2020 and of the International Scholar Award 2024. He has also done fourteen Scientific publications in International Medical Journals.

Dr. Hussain shares that he decided to move to Mauritius in order to serve the nation. “Mauritius is a peaceful country with lovely people. Coming to Mauritius is also an opportunity to serve the nation by providing quality medical services in the field of Ophthalmology and Vitreo retina,” he utters. He adds that the adaptation to life in Mauritius was trouble-free. “Adapting to the Mauritian lifestyle as an individual of Indian descent has been seamless. The warmth and hospitality of the people here make it feel like a home away from home.”

The expat surgeon affirms that he has had many opportunities for professional growth in Mauritius. “The diverse patient population has allowed me to encounter a wide range of medical cases, both common and rare conditions. Additionally, the supportive healthcare infrastructure and collaborative medical community have provided me with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. As a surgeon, I believe that my services have made a meaningful difference in the lives of patients,” he states.

How would he describe his relationship with his Mauritians patients? “The majority of the patients in Mauritius are educated and well informed. They frequently take assistance from the google for more information about their illness and seek multiple opinions before undergoing treatment. To some any extent, it is good to know about the medical conditions from internet but better not to believe or follow blindly all that is given in the web for managing the medical asserts conditions,” asserts the surgeon.

Speaking about the health sector in Mauritius, Dr. Hussain is of the opinion that Mauritius has and continues to make much progress developments. “The medical and health sector in Mauritius is characterized by a combination of modern healthcare facilities and traditional healing practices. Ministry of Health Wellness, which oversees the quality and standards of healthcare services has been very effective in carrying out health care programs and awareness activities with new state of the art infrastructure. The Ambassador of United States, Henry Jardin recently inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology at C-Care Wellkin and this is one of the examples of advancements in the field of medical care in Mauritius.”

The expat surgeon trusts that efforts are also being made in order to address the shortcomings of our healthcare system. “Despite these advancements, challenges such as limited resources, unequal distribution of healthcare between urban services and rural areas, and rising healthcare costs remain areas of concern. Efforts are being made to address these challenges through public-private partnerships, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and ongoing healthcare reforms.”

Finally, Dr. Hussain shares that he has a circle of expat friends working in the medical field just like him. “The Indian Medical Professional forum initiated by the High Commission of India and Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs organized by various hospitals and medical associations enable us to meet each other.”

He advises those looking forward to work and settle in Mauritius to bring in expertise in rare specialties. “Mauritian doctors are very efficient and well trained in almost all field of medicine. What the country needs is experts in rare specialties like Surgical Oncology, Organ transplants and robotic surgeries. Before planning a medical career in Mauritius, one should understand the structure of the healthcare system in Mauritius, including the roles of public and private health.