Health and Wellness Innovation

A multi-stakeholders committee was set up. The scope of the exercise encompassed the medical sector, the life sciences/pharmaceutical sector, the Healthy Lifestyle sector including Sports and Nutrition and the Health care sector including a core group of high-value activities such as hi-tech medicine, medical tourism, medical education and silver economy sectors. 10 potential fields of social and commercial importance were identified: Clinical Research, Manufacture of medical devices, Nutraceutical industry, High value activities including hi-medicine and telemedicine, Wellness tourism/Silver economy, Medical education, Developing a sports innovation ecosystem, Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines, Addressing NCDs and infectious diseases, Life sciences including pharmaceuticals and vaccine development.

Members of the committee included:

Dr Michel Abiteboul, Cap Research Ltd
Ms Kalyanee Auroomoogum, T1 DIAMS
Mr. Sahajee Bappoo, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation
Dr Fabien Boullé, Axonova Pharma Ltd.
Associate Professor Dr. Ganessen Chinien, University of Mauritius
Dr Shameem Fawdar, Axonova Pharma Ltd.
Associate Professor Mrs Dayawatee Goburdhun, University of Mauritius
Dr Purnima Gunness, Nutritional and Food Scientist, Mauritian Diaspora
Dr Bavisha Jowaheer, T1 DIAMS
Mrs Nirmala Jeetah, Bio Industry and Project Development, Economic Development Board
Mr Yannick Lincoln, National High-Performance Centre, Mauritius Multisports Infrastructure Ltd
Professor Archana Luximon, Clinical Research Regulatory Council
Dr Madhvee Madhou, Mauritius Research and Innovation Council
Ms Anshinee Devi Ramana, Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives
Dr Prithviraj Ramputty, Health Services, Ministry of Health and Wellness
Mr Narendredeo Reesaul, Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd
Me Dinay Reetoo, Ethics Committee
Dr. Régine Rouzier, Cap Research Ltd
Dr Ish Sharma, University of Mauritius
Dr (Mrs) Mungala Davi Soyjaudah, National AIDS Secretariat, Ministry of Health and Wellness

The panel organized at Les Assises on 28th April 2022 was moderated by Dr. Bhooshun Ori, Ministry of Health and Wellness (Chair) and was composed of:

Dr Michel Abiteboul, MAbSTRAT Consulting
Mr Yannick Lincoln, High Performance Centre, Mauritius Multisports Infrastructure Ltd
Dr Siddick Maudarbocus, Les Mariannes Wellness Sanctuary
Dr Prithviraj Ramputty, Ministry of Health and Wellness
Dr Regine Rouzier, CAP Research
Mr Olivier Schmitt, Life Together, IBL Group

The discussions culminated into 4 strategic orientations:

Promoting innovative technology/practices
Harnessing the potential contribution of new fields of health and wellness for economic growth
Innovating for a healthier population
Innovative Governance Mechanism to improve delivery of institutions

Some recommendations that have emanated from the committee and panel discussion include:

Ayurvedic Medicine, Nutraceutical/Pharmaceutical sector, Nutrition/Sports as potential fields which could contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
Setting up of a Mauritian Pharmacopoeia and strengthening of existing regulatory/legal frameworks relevant to the sector.
Regulatory framework to allow implementation of the Nagoya Protocol should be set up to allow commercialization of research
Empowerment of the Ethics Committee, which would allow clinical research to attract higher investment.
Digital technologies to be adopted
Research and Development programs be complemented by data collection for evidence-based policies to address issues such as NCDs, infectious diseases and other prevailing human health challenges;
Science communication including training amongst stakeholders and to the community.

By: Dr M Madhou, Mrs D Naginlal Modi-Nagowah,

Mrs S Patten-Ramen, Ms N Khodabux