Mauritius PM thanks city surgeon – The Times of India
CHENNAI: The city-based craniofacial and head and neck cancer surgeon, Dr S M Balaji, performed the first cancer surgery at the new state-of-the-art National Cancer Centre in Mauritius on Feb 4.
Prime minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr Navin Ramgoolam, himself a London-educated physician, congratulated Dr Balaji for the successful tongue cancer surgery. Minister of health and wellness of the govt of Mauritius, Anil Kumar Bachoo, also commended the feat.
During the meeting, Dr Balaji updated the prime minister on the development of a National Cancer and Craniofacial Developmental & Birth Defect Deformities Registry being spearheaded by him. This registry will be instrumental in ensuring comprehensive care delivery, follow-up, management, the development of preventive programs and governmental policies. Prime minister Ramgoolam demonstrated a strong understanding of the complexities and challenges involved in providing state-of-the-art specialised healthcare in an island-nation.
Over 13 years ago, Dr Balaji was appointed as an honorary craniofacial surgeon at Victoria Hospital by prime minister Dr Ramgoolam. He has since been visiting the island-nation regularly, providing specialised care to Mauritian citizens through the govt sector by performing 12-15 complex craniofacial surgeries during each visit. He has been extending his expertise to improve oral, dental, head, and neck care services in Mauritius.
