PARAMARIBO – Health Minister André Misiekaba reportedly wants to strengthen the healthcare system in the hinterland by making sure that there are enough doctors nationwide.
During a meeting with President Jennifer Simons last Thursday, he emphasized the importance of better access to medical care in the hinterland.
Minister Misiekaba pointed out that the head of state has instructed him to present a proposal aimed at deploying doctors in remote areas. “Access to a doctor must be guaranteed in all regions of our country. Healthcare must not be a luxury that is only available in the city,” said Minister Misiekaba who added that he and the president also discussed other issues such as the improvement of first line care and guaranteeing a steady supply of medicines. Minister Misiekaba emphasized that the Regionale Gezondheidsdienst (RGD) plays a key role in guaranteeing basic healthcare. He announced that 9 RGD centers would be strengthened so that they could also be operational at night. “This way people can receive medical care in their own region without having to be referred to the Emergency Room.” Minister Misiekaba also announced that he would visit the Bedrijf Geneesmiddelen Voorziening Suriname soon and that he and the management team at this company would work towards returning the BGVS to the position where it is the central player for the purchase and distribution of medicines.