In his address, Mr Gungah recalled that the policy of the government is to promote innovation and excellence in the delivery of public services, adding that his Ministry acts as a focal point for AAPSIA.  He pointed out that participation in national, regional and international awards is an excellent means to reward ministries and departments that have adopted innovative approaches in management and service delivery.

The public sector is well structured and performing and the present reform strategy is geared towards a quality public service and excellence in the delivery of public services, Minister Gungah said.  He added that his Ministry is working on a New Reform Strategy that will incorporate a Human Resource Strategy, Capacity Building and the Civil Service College.
 For her part, the Minister of Health and Quality of Life expressed her satisfaction that the Mobile Clinic has bagged this prestigious award. She said that this achievement underlines the professionalism of the Ministry which has at heart the welfare of the population. The concept of the Mobile Clinic was introduced in 2002 to respond to the emerging needs of the population in terms of nutrition, breast and cervical cancer and dental problems, amongst others. The project, which focuses on primary prevention, aims at bringing counselling and screening services at the doorstep of the citizens.
 
The Mobile Clinic has been instrumental in enhancing quality of care to public as revealed by figures from the Ministry. From 2009 to 2010, around 76 000 students were screened in schools; 111 000 adults have benefitted from its services; 47 000 people at worksites have undergone screening; 30 000 people have visited the health promotion shops and more than 200 000 people have received counselling. Some 17 000 women have been screened for cervical cancer and 22 500 for breast cancer.
 
Mrs Hanoomanjee reiterated her determination to further innovate and introduce new services in the health sector. A Mobile Cervical Screening Programme equipped with specialised staff and technology will soon be launched and a Mobile Mammography Unit will be made operational shortly. The Mobile Dental Clinic will be strengthened with the acquisition of additional dental caravans and sensitisation and prevention campaigns will be intensified.
 
AAPSIA is the first Africa-wide ministerial initiative that celebrates innovation in the public sector. The Awards aims at promoting best practices in public sector as well as innovation and service delivery. It rewards the achievements of public servants and their partners from the private and non-profit sectors who have successfully developed innovative solutions to service delivery and governance challenges. AAPSIA also provide opportunities for information sharing, lesson learning, partnerships and the possible replication of successful initiatives across Africa.

AAPSIA 2010 attracted over 130 entries including seven public service organisations from Mauritius, namely the Waste Water Management Authority, the Companies Division, the Mauritius Qualifications Authority, the Department of Civil Aviation, the Biodiversity Unit, (Forestry Services, Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security), the Mobile Clinic and  the Quality Control of Pharmaceuticals  (Ministry of Health and Quality of Life).