Latest news with #AnilKumarBachoo
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Experts from various countries join IIRSI 2025 ophthalmology convention in Chennai
The two-day Indian Intraocular Implant & Refractive Surgery Convention 2025 (IIRSI Convention), the annual flagship event of Intraocular Implant & Refractive Society of India, was inaugurated on Saturday in the city. The convention was launched by Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health & Wellness, Government of Mauritius, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Arthi Ganesh, Pro-Chancellor, Vels University. Led by Satanshu Mathur, President, IIRSI, alongside Amar Agarwal, Secretary General, IIRSI, and Mahipal S. Sachdev, Chairman Scientific Committee-IIRSI, the convention attracted over 1,000 ophthalmologists, surgeons, researchers, and experts from around the world. The event featured foreign faculty lectures, live surgery, hands-on wet lab focussing on cataract, refractive and intraocular implantation. At the inauguration, Mr. Bachoo highlighted Mauritius' commitment to free and universal eye care, its public health system, international collaborations, and ongoing efforts to build local ophthalmic capacity. He expressed gratitude to Indian medical institutions, especially those in Chennai, for their important role in treating complex cases and supporting Mauritius through training and specialised care. Stephen McLeod, CEO of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, received a gold medal in recognition of his contributions to the field of ophthalmology. Several other individuals were also honored with awards. Ophthalmic experts Gaurav Luthra, Mohan Rajan, Rohit Om Prakash, Ragini Parekh were present.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) Director General recognizes Mauritius unwavering efforts to control tobacco
Today, the World Health Organization proudly celebrates Mauritius for its relentless and resolute commitments to tobacco control. The country is being recognized with the prestigious WHO Director General Special Recognition Award as part of World No-Tobacco Day 2025. On this Monday 19 May 2025, at the very onset of the 78th World Health Assembly, The Honorable Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health and Wellness received the Award directly from the hand of the WHO Director General in recognition of Mauritius exceptional efforts in tobacco control. This recognition comes as no surprise. The World Health Organization has long regarded Mauritius as a Global Champion in the fight against tobacco. Mauritius has demonstrated sustained leadership since 2003, supporting the establishment of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). In 2004, the Republic of Mauritius became one of the first parties to ratify the Framework Convention. By 2008, the country had introduced its first WHO FCTC-compliant tobacco control regulations, mandating pictorial health warnings on cigarette packaging and implementing a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship — a pioneering move in Africa. In 2022, Mauritius strengthened again its Regulatory Framework, introducing plain packaging, larger health warnings, a complete smoking ban in all indoor and many outdoor public places as well as regulating tobacco industry interferences. The regulations also imposed a ban on the manufacture, import, distribution and sale of waterpipes, electronic-nicotine delivery systems, and heated, smokeless, flavored and roll-your own tobacco products. These bold actions have made Mauritius the third country in the world to implement to the highest level the WHO FCTC and MPOWER recommendations and the first African country to introduce plain packaging. Today's award celebrates this steady, determined progress — a tribute to the unwavering commitment of the people of Mauritius and, in particular, the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Their ongoing dedication has contributed to a progressive decline in smoking prevalence across the country. Indeed, data from the Ministry of Health and Wellness shows a decline from 21.7% in 2009 to 19.3% in 2015, and 18.1% in 2021. The latest figures indicate a gender disparity, with 35.3% of men and 3.7% of women reporting tobacco use. However, the 47.9% prevalence among men aged 25 to 34 in 2021 remains a concerning figure. This award therefore not only honors Mauritius' high-level political commitment but also serves as an encouragement to maintain momentum. As the tobacco industry intensifies its marketing efforts, especially toward adolescents, continued vigilance and strong law enforcement remain essential. The true reward will be a healthier future — one with fewer cases of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, which are preventable through sustained tobacco control. Congratulations, Mauritius! Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Mauritius.
