Mauritius and India Join Forces to Rebuild Blood Bank Stocks
After a pause caused by recent civil unrest, blood donation drives have resumed in Mauritius, with India pledging continued support to secure national blood supplies.
Blood donation campaigns in Mauritius have officially resumed after a brief suspension linked to the civil unrest that recently unsettled the country. On Saturday 17 October 2026, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the High Commission of India in Mauritius, organised a Health-cum-Blood Donation Camp in Flacq, a town on the east coast of the island.
Health and Wellness Minister Anil Bachoo attended the event alongside Anirudh Kumar Singh, the consular adviser at the Indian High Commission. Speaking at the camp, Minister Bachoo underscored the importance of these campaigns, noting that the government's regular donation drives typically collect at least 100 pints of blood per week.
With national reserves depleted during the period of disruption, Bachoo stressed the urgency of rebuilding strategic stockpiles to ensure the health system can respond to medical emergencies without delay. He called on the Mauritian public to come forward in large numbers. "Every donation counts and every drop of blood given has the power to save a life," he said, issuing a strong appeal for mass participation.
For his part, Anirudh Kumar Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Mauritius in maintaining a continuous, reliable and safe blood supply. The India-Mauritius health partnership has long included cooperation on medical resources and training, and this latest initiative reflects that ongoing relationship.
What this means: Blood shortages can have life-or-death consequences for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment or emergency care. When donation drives are interrupted, hospitals draw down reserves that can take weeks to replenish. The restart of these camps is a direct signal that the health system is working to return to normal operations after a turbulent period. Members of the public who are in good health and meet basic eligibility requirements are encouraged to contact their nearest health centre or blood transfusion service to donate.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate blood in Mauritius?β
Blood donation camps are organised regularly by the Mauritius Ministry of Health and Wellness across the island. The National Blood Transfusion Service operates from Candos, and mobile donation camps are held at various community locations including, most recently, Flacq on the east coast. Contact your nearest regional hospital or health centre for upcoming dates.
Why were blood donation drives suspended in Mauritius?β
According to the Ministry of Health, drives were briefly suspended due to recent civil unrest in Mauritius in October 2026. Campaigns have since officially resumed, and the government is urging the public to donate urgently to rebuild national blood bank reserves to the standard target of at least 100 pints per week.
What is the India-Mauritius health partnership?β
India and Mauritius maintain a broad bilateral partnership that includes cooperation in healthcare. The High Commission of India in Mauritius regularly co-organises health initiatives such as blood donation camps, and India has pledged ongoing support to help Mauritius maintain a continuous and secure blood supply for its population.
From Our Network
Living & Travel in Mauritius
Explore the Island β
π§ Breaking alerts straight to your inbox