In a fast moving working environment, the health of employees has become a major concern for employers as a healthy workforce hugely contributes to an increase in productivity. Thus, developing health care plans and wellness programs which cater for the medical needs of employees are of utmost importance.
The Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, made this statement on 21 March 2018 at the launching of a health care insurance policy Mo Sante organised by Business Mauritius at the Hennessy Park Hotel in EbAne. The policy is intended for all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are affiliated with the Business Mauritius Provident Association.
Minister Bholah underscored that as we set out to achieve the objectives found in Vision 2030 blueprint, the focus is on the concept of an inclusive high-income economy. Employers, he emphasised, should work towards an inclusive sustainable growth but at the same time cater for the well-being of the employees.
He recalled that during the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization held in May 2017, the resolution entitled Workers’ Health: Global Plan of Action was revised so as to urge member states to develop health care policies and plans for workers of SMEs and of the informal sector. The revised resolution makes provision for various strategic directions to be followed with a view to better cater for health care needs of employees of the SME sector, he added.
The Minister reiterated that health care covers of employees should not be considered as unnecessary expense but rather a necessity. On this score, he highlighted that it is imperative for employees of the SME and informal sectors to benefit from health care covers and wellness plans. He pointed out that SMEs should avail themselves of comprehensive packaged health care insurance policies designed at competitive prices within their budget.
He also commended Business Mauritius for coming up with this laudable initiative which is testimony to the willingness and commitment of the private sector to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government in its endeavour of boosting the SME sector.
Source: Government of Mauritius