By Shruti Menon Seeboo
In a world where convenience and accessibility are increasingly important, Yasheel Aukhojee, the founder of Médecin à Domicile, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare in Mauritius. His company, a pioneering home healthcare service, provides 24/7 primary care directly to patients’ homes or offices across the island. Not only has Médecin à Domicile been recognised for its innovative approach to healthcare, but it has also made its mark by being the first medical company in Mauritius to earn the Great Place to Work certification and be named one of the “Best Workplaces” in the country.
In this insightful interview, Aukhojee shares the story behind Médecin à Domicile, the challenges of providing accessible healthcare in Mauritius, and how his company is reshaping the future of healthcare with technology, empathy, and a patient-centered approach.
A vision for patient-centered healthcare
The idea for Médecin à Domicile stemmed from a deep desire to make healthcare more accessible. As Aukhojee explains, “Médecin à Domicile was born from a simple yet profound idea: to eliminate the hurdles that patients face in accessing healthcare.” Traditional healthcare models, where patients have to endure long waits in crowded clinics and travel long distances, were not only inconvenient but also potentially harmful for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility. Aukhojee’s vision was to bring healthcare directly to the patient, allowing them to receive high-quality, personalised care in the comfort of their homes.
“We wanted to create a healthcare model that goes to the patient, blending empathy with efficiency,” he adds. By offering services at the patient’s doorstep, Médecin à Domicile is challenging traditional models, ensuring that patients, particularly the elderly and chronically ill, do not have to suffer the stress of hospital visits.
Addressing access to healthcare in Mauritius
Access to healthcare in Mauritius can be difficult for many, especially those in remote areas or for patients with chronic conditions. Aukhojee acknowledges the challenges posed by long travel times, limited appointment availability, and the strain on public healthcare resources. “Mauritius has a diverse population with varied healthcare needs, and for many, access is a challenge. Patients often face long travel times and limited appointment availability,” he says. For those who are elderly or dealing with ongoing health issues, the burden of travel and wait times can exacerbate their conditions.
Médecin à Domicile addresses these challenges by bringing care directly to the patient. This model ensures that individuals receive timely and comprehensive care without the inconvenience of traveling to a healthcare facility. “By expanding to a new office in Telfair, we’ve also enhanced our accessibility, making it easier for Mauritians to receive care without the stress of travel,” Aukhojee adds.
Innovation through technology: The Medecin.mu App
One of the hallmarks of Médecin à Domicile is its commitment to innovation. The company has integrated digital tools like the Medecin.mu app, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care provided. “Innovation is at the core of Médecin à Domicile,” Aukhojee explains. The app allows patients to directly communicate with healthcare providers and access their personalised health records, all designed to empower patients in managing their healthcare journey.”
The use of Medecin.mu enhances efficiency by minimizing paperwork and streamlining processes, which ultimately enables the team to focus on what truly matters—patient care. “This commitment to technology allows us to focus on delivering care that is not only efficient but also tailored to each individual’s needs,” Aukhojee notes.
Ensuring high standards of care
Quality is non-negotiable in healthcare, and Aukhojee’s team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care. “Our team undergoes continuous training to stay current with the latest medical advancements and best practices,” Aukhojee emphasises. Médecin à Domicile selects its healthcare practitioners not only for their expertise but for their dedication to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Aukhojee points out that feedback from patients plays a vital role in improving their services. “Our patients’ feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the convenience and personalised nature of our services. Many express relief at not needing to endure travel or long waits, and they appreciate the comfort of receiving care at home,” he says. This patient-centered approach has been key in refining the company’s services and ensuring patient satisfaction.
Integrating preventive care
Another key component of Médecin à Domicile’s approach is its focus on preventive care. Aukhojee strongly believes that healthcare should not only treat illness but also work to prevent it. “Preventive care is essential for long-term health, and at Médecin à Domicile, we see it as our responsibility to support our patients in staying healthy, not just treating illness,” he explains.
Through regular check-ups, screenings, and proactive management of chronic conditions, the company empowers patients to stay on top of their health. Aukhojee believes that preventive care not only improves the quality of life but also reduces the pressure on traditional healthcare facilities. “By focusing on preventive care, we help our patients avoid complications and maintain a better quality of life,” he says.
Multilingual support for a diverse population
Mauritius is a multicultural and multilingual country, and Aukhojee knows that providing care in the patient’s preferred language is key to building trust. “Being able to communicate with patients in their preferred language not only ensures clarity but also builds trust,” he explains. To address the linguistic diversity of the population, Médecin à Domicile offers support in Creole, French, and English.
Despite the challenges of ensuring all team members are proficient in these languages, Aukhojee views it as essential to the company’s mission. “Multilingual support allows us to truly connect with our patients, making them feel understood and valued,” he says.
The future of Médecin à Domicile
Looking ahead, Aukhojee is determined to continue expanding Médecin à Domicile’s reach and impact. “Our vision for Médecin à Domicile is to continue expanding accessibility and innovation in home healthcare,” he shares. In addition to reaching new regions across Mauritius, the company plans to develop new healthcare solutions and further integrate technology to enhance patient care.
Aukhojee also mentions a goal to move towards a paperless system. “Going paperless is one of our goals to streamline processes and minimise environmental impact,” he says. However, he emphasizes that no matter how the company grows, the focus will always be on maintaining a patient-centered approach.
The role of E-health and future trends in healthcare
The adoption of e-health has already had a transformative impact on healthcare delivery in Mauritius, and Aukhojee is optimistic about the future. “E-health has transformed healthcare in Mauritius, bridging the gap between patients and providers and making healthcare more accessible than ever,” he says. Tools like telemedicine and digital health records have significantly improved the convenience of healthcare services.
Aukhojee sees exciting future trends in the integration of artificial intelligence and wearable health technology. “Looking ahead, I see a growing role for artificial intelligence in diagnostics and personalised treatment plans, as well as wearable health tech that allows patients to take charge of their health,” he predicts. Médecin à Domicile is embracing these innovations, positioning itself at the forefront of the e-health revolution in Mauritius.
Measuring impact and building for the future
Finally, Aukhojee speaks about how the company measures its impact on the community. “We measure our impact through patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and community feedback,” he says. Médecin à Domicile is committed to continuous improvement, always refining its services based on the evolving needs of its patients. “Each patient interaction offers insight into how we can better serve the community,” Aukhojee adds, stating that his company is building a healthcare model that truly serves the people.
In just a few years, Médecin à Domicile has become a trusted healthcare provider in Mauritius, revolutionising the way healthcare is delivered. By focusing on accessibility, innovation, and patient-centered care, Yasheel Aukhojee’s vision is reshaping the healthcare landscape in Mauritius. As the company continues to expand and evolve, its impact on the community—and the future of healthcare—remains bright.
