Port Louis [Mauritius]: In a significant step to strengthen ties between India and Mauritius, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated India’s first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius on Wednesday. This initiative was launched in collaboration with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
“Delighted to inaugurate along with Prime Minister @KumarJugnauth the first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. This Aushadi Kendra is the delivery of the promise made by PM @narendramodi earlier this year,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.
प्रधानमंत्री @KumarJugnauth के साथ मॉरीशस में प्रथम विदेशी जन औषधि केंद्र का उद्घाटन करते हुए खुशी हुई। यह औषधि केंद्र इस साल की शुरुआत में प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi द्वारा दिये वादे को पूरा करता है।
🇮🇳 🇲🇺 के बीच यह स्वास्थ्य साझेदारी परियोजना, किफ़ायती और भारत में निर्मित… https://t.co/BXcyjkEx3z
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 18, 2024
“The health partnership project will supply cost-effective, Made-in-India medicines to augment public healthcare and enhance well-being,” he added.
Dr. S Jaishankar Inaugurates Mediclinic Project at Grand Bois in Mauritius
On the same day, Jaishankar inaugurated the Mediclinic project at Grand Bois in Mauritius, which is funded with Indian grant assistance. He described the project as the ‘newest expression of friendship’ between the two nations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the Mediclinic project, stating it will provide secondary healthcare services for 16,000 people in the Grand Bois area. “We feel very proud to be a partner in this collaboration,” he said.
External Affairs Minister Emphasizes Health Consciousness
Expressing pride in the new healthcare initiatives, Jaishankar stressed the importance of health as a priority for all. “We worry about things rightly. But we also believe–all of us believe–that health is our right. And right today, every government has a duty to deliver. And for me, to be part of such an important delivery event is something which is a matter of great satisfaction,” he said.
Projects Reflecting India-Mauritius Relationship
Jaishankar also underscored other projects India has undertaken in Mauritius, describing them as expressions of the strong relationship between the two countries. “Many of the flagship projects we have done in Mauritius have been really expressions of our affection, of our relationship, of our family linkages, and every one of you in some form is associated with it, benefitted from it,” he said.
He highlighted that under the PM Narendra Modi-led government, India has made a strong commitment to people-centric policies. “Sometimes, there can be small steps, little projects, but to the community, they can make a very big difference. In this community, for example, its entire health needs will change after this clinic comes up,” the minister said.
Jaishankar arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day official visit. He expressed gratitude to Mauritius Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin for his warm welcome and stated that he looked forward to productive engagements to advance the special relationship between the two nations.