The Medical Council was established by law to regulate the practice of medicine in Mauritius.

Key points:

• Created under the Medical Council Act 1999
• Functions as an independent statutory body
• Responsible for registering and regulating medical practitioners
• Maintains the official register of doctors practicing in Mauritius.

The Council operates independently but receives support from the government and collects fees from registered practitioners to fund its activities.

The main objectives of the Medical Council are:

1. Regulate the medical profession in Mauritius
2. Maintain professional standards of doctors
3. Protect public health and patient safety
4. Register and license medical practitioners
5. Monitor ethical conduct and medical practice
6. Investigate complaints against doctors
7. Recognize medical qualifications and training.

The Council consists of representatives from both the medical profession and the government.

According to the Medical Council Act, the Council includes the following:

• 14 registered medical practitioners
• 1 representative from the Ministry of Health
• 1 representative from the Prime Minister’s Office
• 1 representative from the Attorney General’s Office
• 5 members appointed by the Minister who are not doctors.

Members of the Council are typically experienced doctors with at least 15 years of professional experience.

The Medical Council of mauritius provides different types of registration.

1. Pre-Registration Trainee

Medical graduates receive provisional registration to complete internship training.

Training duration:

• Approximately 18 months of clinical training

2. General Practitioner Registration

Doctors who complete:

• MBBS degree
• Internship training
• Licensing requirements

can register as General Practitioners (GPs).

3. Specialist Registration

Doctors with postgraduate qualifications may apply to be registered as specialists.

Examples:

• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Paediatrics
• Cardiology
• Orthopaedics.

The evaluation of specialist qualifications may involve the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PMEB).

4. Temporary Registration for Non-Citizens

Foreign doctors may receive temporary registration if they:

• Have a valid work permit
• Are employed by a medical institution
• Meet professional standards set by the Council.

5. Visiting Medical Practitioner Registration

Doctors visiting Mauritius for:

• Government health programs
• Teaching
• Research
• International medical projects

may receive temporary permission to practice during their visit.

The Medical Council performs several important regulatory functions.

Registration of Medical Practitioners

The council registers doctors as:

• Pre-Registration Trainees
• General Practitioners
• Specialists
• Temporary Registered Doctors
• Visiting Medical Practitioners.

Maintenance of Medical Register

The Council maintains an official register of medical practitioners which includes:

• Registered General Practitioners
• Registered Specialists
• Temporarily registered doctors.

This register confirms who is legally allowed to practice medicine in Mauritius.

Recognition of Medical Qualifications

The Council evaluates and recognizes:

• Medical degrees (MBBS or equivalent)
• Postgraduate medical qualifications
• Specialist training

This ensures that only qualified doctors can practice in Mauritius.

Regulation of Professional Conduct

The Medical Council establishes a Code of Practice and medical ethics which all doctors must follow.

Examples of rules include:

• Doctors must maintain professional conduct
• Advertising medical services is restricted

Breach of professional ethics can lead to disciplinary action.

To apply for registration, applicants must submit documents such as:

• Birth certificate
• National ID or residence permit
• Proof of address
• Secondary school certificates (SC / HSC)
• Passport
• Medical degree certificate
• Evidence of internship training
• Work permit for foreign applicants.

Some applicants may be required to pass the Medical Registration Examination (MRE).

Purpose of the exam:

• Assess medical knowledge
• Ensure clinical competence

Confirm readiness for independent practice.

The Council has authority to investigate complaints against doctors.

Cases may involve:

• Medical negligence
• Malpractice
• Professional misconduct
• Breach of ethical standards.

Disciplinary actions may include:

• Warning or reprimand
• Suspension
• Removal from the medical register.