LocationsThe DHAB initiative will help reinforce health services in Mauritius into a modern, high performing quality health system that is patient-centered, equitable, efficient and innovative.
The DHAB is a comprehensive, patient-centric initiative which focuses on security, interoperability, and accessibility, ensuring that digital health tools are effective and inclusive.
The Digital Health Architecture Blueprint was launched on 03 March 2025 in Ebène, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The DHAB initiative will guide the creation of an inter-operable national digital health architecture that ensures continuity of care, and will serve as the foundation towards a unified, secure and accessible health information system in Mauritius. It will help reinforce health services into a modern, high performing quality health system that is patient-centered, equitable, efficient and innovative.
Strengthening Health Information Systems in Mauritius
Mauritius has a resilient healthcare system, but it faces challenges such as the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, an aging population, and the need for more patient-centered care. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for digital transformation to enhance healthcare delivery and preparedness for future health crises.
In this context, the UNDP has supported the development of a Digital Health Architecture Blueprint (DHAP), as part of the Digital Health Portfolio. It is a comprehensive, patient-centric initiative which focuses on security, interoperability, and accessibility, ensuring that digital health tools are effective and inclusive.
Aligned with the Mauritius Health Sector Strategy, the DHAP will help create an inter-operable national digital health architecture that ensures continuity of care. It will guide the establishment of a National Patient Database; enhance service delivery through better resource management and patient centric care, promote inter-operability and standardization across healthcare stakeholders; and ensure the protection of personal health information while enabling authorized access.
During his address, Mr Purmessur Senior Chief Executive at the Ministry of Health and Wellness emphasized that the DHAB is a significant step forward in Mauritius’ journey towards a digital future in healthcare, with benefits to both the ,population and healthcare providers: “This initiative will aim at improving the quality of life of individuals, families and communities. Health care providers will also be able to maximize their skills and increase their effectiveness and efficiency.”
During his presentation, Mr. Soura Bhattacharyya, project consultant from Lattice Innovations shared the DHAB conceptual framework and lessons learnt from countries such as India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE and Estonia, which have implemented successful and robust digital health architectures. He then discussed the core components of the DHAB such as identity, consent, authentication, access and data privacy.
The DHAB project will be implemented in phases, starting with a detailed assessment of the current healthcare infrastructure, followed by the development of guiding principles, a national digital health blueprint, and an inter-operability plan. It will integrate insights from existing healthcare practices, global best practices, and the current state of Mauritius' health system, and will also consider upcoming trends in digital technologies and parallel developments in the digital health program. Upcoming events under the project include focus group discussion, validation workshop and submission of final documents by mid-2025.
