About one month after the dissolution of the National Assembly, the general election took place on 7 November 2019 for the people of the Republic of Mauritius to elect the new members of the parliament.   The ruling party – Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) in alliance with Mouvement Liberateur and led by the Prime Minister, Honorable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (ML) was reelected to govern the country for the next five years.  The newly elected members of the Parliament took the Pledge for Allegiance to the President of the Republic of Mauritius in a ceremony held for the occasion.   Dr the Honorable Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal, was appointed Minister of Health and Wellness.  The latter, known Psychiatrist in the Public Health Service and former President of the Mauritius Medical Council, is assuming ministerial position.

During the courtesy call on Monday 18 November 2019, Dr L. Musango congratulated Dr Hon. K. Jagutpal for his appointment as Minister of Health and Wellness.   The latter was briefed on the statutory meetings held by the World Health Organization, namely WHO World Health Assembly, WHO Regional Committee for Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).  Dr Musango also informed the new Minister of Health and Wellness about the  Programmatic Key documents including the Programme Budget 2018-2019, the Programme Budget 2020-2021 (Country Support Plan), the Health Sector Strategic Plan 2019-2023 which is now at finalization stage, and the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy.  Dr Hon K. Jagutpal, Health Minister elaborated his priorities for inclusion in the Country Support Plan before its finalization.  Dr Musango highlighted the new initiatives taken by WHO to support the country in promoting community empowerment and partnership building.  He also emphasized on the primary health care findings and policy recommendations, as well as the situation analysis of quality improvement in the health care system in Mauritius.  It was also noted that Mauritius has signed this year, a memorandum of understanding with the Saint Helena Island for close collaboration and support in the prevention and control of NCDs. The new Minister of Health and Wellness agreed to have a monthly meeting with the WHO Representative to discuss collaboration between the Ministry and WHO; and on behalf of Dr Tedros, the Director general and Dr Moeti the regional Director for the African region, the WHO Representative seized that opportunity to reiterate the support of the three levels of the organization, that WHO will continue to provide to the government of Mauritius.