“The Squint 3.0 initiative embodies not just the concept of sight but a broader vision encompassing collaboration, compassion, and care that knows no borders, instilling hope in our children”, stated the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr. Anil Kumar Bachoo, during the official ceremony held on Wednesday 16 April 2025, at the Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital in Moka.
The Squint 3.0 project, focused on treating strabismus in children, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Rotary Club of Bagatelle, the Rotary Club of Pondicherry and the Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital.
The event welcomed Dr. Milind Arwind Killedar, a paediatric ophthalmologist from India, alongside two other strabismus specialists and an optometrist. Also present were Mrs. Veena Moloye, President of the Rotary Club of Bagatelle, along with other notable guests.
During his address, Minister Bachoo emphasized the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment of squint, highlighting that untreated cases can lead to long-term vision problems and significantly affect a child’s self-esteem. He also pointed out the psychosocial implications, especially the stigma faced by school-aged children, asserting that early intervention is both a medical necessity and a social responsibility.
Reflecting on the importance of the Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital, Minister Bachoo mentioned its essential role in the national health system. According to the 2023 Health Statistics Report, over 170,000 patients sought eye care at the hospital last year, with 6,682 successful surgeries performed. These statistics illustrate the growing need for specialized care and the crucial role of international collaboration in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the country.
The Minister further highlighted the symbolic significance of the project, which exemplifies the enduring friendship and robust bilateral relations between Mauritius and India. He noted India’s ongoing support for the advancement of Mauritius’s healthcare sector and mentioned that many complex medical and surgical cases are referred to India, where Mauritian patients benefit from the expertise available at leading healthcare institutions.
Dr. Killedar remarked that squint was once viewed merely as a cosmetic issue but is now recognized as a condition where early surgical intervention can lead to significantly improved functional outcomes, profoundly impacting children’s lives. He expressed his commitment to continue supporting Mauritius whenever his expertise is necessary.
In addition, Mrs. Moloye noted that the Squint 3.0 project embodies Rotary’s core values — service above self, dismantling healthcare barriers, uplifting vulnerable groups and fostering connections between institutions and nations. She emphasized that this initiative serves as a powerful testament to how collaboration between government entities and service organizations like Rotary can generate a meaningful impact for the greater good.