Mauritius Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in mauritius, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Pharmaceuticals
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Mauritius is dependent to a large extent on importation of pharmaceutical products for supply to both public and private healthcare institutions. 

As of December 2023, there were 397 registered private drugstores and 48 registered pharmaceutical wholesalers in Mauritius.  Pharmaceutical products can only be imported by wholesalers licensed by the Pharmacy Board, which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.  The government purchases mostly generic medications through private hospitals and drug stores tend to buy branded products through local wholesalers.  As of 2024, India remained the main supplier of pharmaceuticals to Mauritius, with 39 percent of the market, followed by France (11 percent), Germany (7 percent), Turkey (6 percent), United Kingdom (5 percent) and South Africa (5 percent).   The United States had a 2 percent market share. There is currently only one pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Mauritius.     

Leading Sub-sectors 

The main categories of pharmaceutical products imported into Mauritius: 

  • Non-antibiotic medicines
  • Vaccines (human and veterinarian)
  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-infective, antiretroviral, and antihypertensive drugs
  • Cardiovascular drugs
  • Cytotoxic drugs
  • Antidiabetics
  • Renal drugs
  • Opioids, antituberculosis, ophthalmic, dermatological and NICU drugs 

Opportunities 

Since Mauritius imports most of its pharmaceuticals, there are opportunities for U.S. products to increase their share of the market. Private pharmaceutical wholesalers represent the best export opportunities since they import about 75 percent of the total pharmaceutical products in Mauritius. Government procurement tends to favor generic medicines. Some private clinics occasionally do their own procurement. 

U.S. companies could also consider manufacturing pharmaceuticals in Mauritius for the African market. As a member of SADC and COMESA, exports from Mauritius to members of these organizations benefit from duty-free access, provided the rules of origin are met. The government offers a tax holiday of eight years, three percent corporate tax on profits derived from exports, investment tax credit for investment in hi-tech manufacturing, and air- and sea-freight rebates on exports for new companies involved in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. 

In 2021, the Mauritian government announced that it would be setting up the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology (MIBL) to promote local vaccine manufacturing. Subsequently, in June 2021, the EDB launched an invitation for local and international companies with relevant field experience to express their interests in implementing pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing projects in Mauritius. In the 2022-2023 budget, the government announced that the mandate of MIBL will be broadened to include the production of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, technology-based applications for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and research and development centers for testing.

In the 2022-2023 budget, the government also announced the introduction of a new law on medical and healthcare products to facilitate the setting up of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, to set out the legal framework for the development of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and health supplements industry, and to ensure compliance with good manufacturing and distribution practice standards for products manufactured in Mauritius. The budget also provided for a framework for the setting up of healthcare university spin-offs to promote research and development of new healthcare products.

The key initiatives for the pharmaceutical sector in Mauritius, as outlined in the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) 2025/26 to 2029/30, include the following: 


1.    Production of Vaccine and Other Pharmaceuticals:  A significant investment of Rs 1 billion is allocated for the production of vaccines and other pharmaceutical products, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. 
2.    Construction of a New National Laboratory:  Under preparation, this project aims to strengthen the country’s capacity for pharmaceutical research, testing, and quality assurance.

These initiatives highlight Mauritius’s focus on building a robust pharmaceutical sector to support healthcare needs and reduce dependency on imports.

The outlined initiatives in Mauritius’s pharmaceutical sector present several specific opportunities for U.S. pharmaceutical companies. The investment in vaccine production and other pharmaceuticals opens avenues for U.S. firms to collaborate in technology transfer, supply of raw materials, and expertise in vaccine manufacturing processes. The construction of a new National Laboratory provides opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in laboratory equipment, advanced testing technologies, and quality assurance systems to supply cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, U.S. firms can explore partnerships to support research and development initiatives, particularly in innovative pharmaceutical products and biotechnologies, aligning with Mauritius’s goal of enhancing local production capabilities and reducing import dependency.

Resources on Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sector 

Below is a list of key resources related to Mauritius’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. These organizations and platforms provide insights into healthcare policies, pharmaceutical regulations, procurement opportunities, and public health initiatives. 

  • Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) 
    The primary government body responsible for healthcare policy, public health services, and pharmaceutical regulation in Mauritius. 
    Website: https://health.govmu.org/health/
  • Mauritius Health Services (Public Hospitals) 
    Provides information on public hospitals, clinics, and healthcare services available across Mauritius. 
    Website: www.govmu.org (Search for “Health Services”).
  • Mauritius Institute of Health (MIH) 
    Focuses on training, research, and capacity building in the healthcare sector. 
    Website: https://mih.govmu.org/mih/
  • Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) 
    Supports research and innovation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, including biotechnology and medical technologies. 
    Website: www.mric.mu
  • Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) 
    Provides insights into private sector involvement in healthcare and pharmaceutical trade, including import/export regulations.
  • Mauritius Statistics (Health Data) 
    Offers data and reports on healthcare indicators, pharmaceutical consumption, and public health trends in Mauritius. 
    Website: www.statsmauritius.govmu.org
  • The Cancer Association Mauritius  
    Focuses on cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment initiatives in Mauritius. 

Pharmaceutical Sector Resources

  • Pharmacy Council of Mauritius 
    Regulates pharmaceutical products, licensing, and compliance with international standards. 
    Website: https://www.pharmacycouncilmu.org/.
  • Government of Mauritius e-Procurement System 
    The official platform for public procurement, including healthcare and pharmaceutical tenders. 
    Website: https://eproc.publicprocurement.govmu.org
  • Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) 
    Provides information on pharmaceutical trade, import/export regulations, and private sector opportunities. 
    Website: www.mcci.org
  • Pharmaceutical Association of Mauritius 
    Represents pharmaceutical professionals and promotes best practices in the sector.
  • World Health Organization (WHO) Mauritius 
    Collaborates with the Government of Mauritius on public health initiatives, including pharmaceutical standards and healthcare system strengthening. 
    Website: www.who.int (Search for “Mauritius”).

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