On Wednesday 17 September 2025, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr. Anil Kumar Bachoo, visited patients at New Souillac Hospital who recently underwent complex corneal graft surgeries. These procedures were performed by Dr. Charles Qian Yu, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, United States
Dr. Yu is on a three-day mission in Mauritius, collaborating with a local medical team to conduct ophthalmologic surgeries in partnership with Swiss Medical Services. A total of six patients —including four teenagers and two elderly individuals — are benefiting from these interventions.
In a statement, Minister Bachoo commended Dr. Yu’s dedication and expertise, emphasizing that these advanced eye surgeries are expected to significantly improve patients’ quality of life. He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by Swiss Medical Services.
The Minister recalled that, previously, such complex surgeries had been performed solely within the private sector at a cost of approximately Rs 200 million last year. He highlighted that these procedures are now being conducted within public hospitals, including New Souillac Hospital, showcasing the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare. He further praised the outstanding efforts of the medical personnel involved.
Dr. Charles Qian Yu highlighted that Stanford University prides itself on innovation and cutting-edge research aimed at patient benefit. Regarding his fourth visit to Mauritius, he explained that he brought donated corneal grafts for the surgeries and emphasized that the procedures are now more precise and minimally invasive, allowing for faster recovery.
He expressed enthusiasm about sharing knowledge and training local medical staff, enabling them to perform these surgeries independently in the future, thereby strengthening Mauritius’s healthcare capacity.