Early colonial health developments in Mauritius
Parahoo, K.A.
International Journal of Health Services Planning Administration Evaluation 16(3): 409-423
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7314 PMID: 3525435 DOI: 10.2190/nnnl-wt10-qptm-awhjDocument Number: 344301
Knowledge of the historical development of Mauritius and in particular the early developments in health care is crucial to an understanding of the contemporary health system. Research shows that smallpox, rabies, and cholera were introduced to the island by French soldiers coming from India during the French administration in the 1700s. After English occupation of the island in the early 1800s, epidemics became commonplace as indentured laborers transported from India replaced the emancipated slaves. There was such a demand for the laborers that quarantines were loosely enforced. The descendents of the slaves (Creoles) became increasingly pauperized. Poverty contributed to ill health and ill health to poverty through reduced productivity among both Creoles and Indians. Planters were held responsible under the law for the provision of health facilities and care to their laborers, but compliance with the law in this and other obligations was minimal. Where there were hospitals, they were usually inadequately provided for and inhospitable. Even the motivation to provide for health and welfare to keep labor productive was weak because more cheap labor could be imported. Children were uneducated, the male/female ratio was high, and there was rampant recourse to prostitution, alcohol, and drugs. The colonial economy created and fortified the dependence on a single cash crop (sugar) and on imported food, which continue today. Only late in the 19the century did health services become available to Creoles in paupers' hospitals. Then 3 medical systems (European, Asian, and "African") existed, as they do today. Despite some success of vaccination and hygiene programs, the health system has not made significant progress in combating health problems, which are still poverty-related.