Ninety AZP employees receive land allocation decision after long wait

The documents were handed over in the hospital auditorium. Minister Stephen Tsang of Openbare Werken en Ruimtelijke Ordening (OWRO, Public Works and Spatial Planning), speaking on behalf of President Jennifer Simons, emphasised the commitment of healthcare providers.

“As nursing staff, you form the backbone of our healthcare system,” Tsang said. He expressed his appreciation for employees who, despite the challenges in Suriname, have remained to care for patients.

“With the decision, the state not only gives you the right to a plot of land, but also the recognition and appreciation you deserve,” the minister said. He called on the beneficiaries not to sell the allocated state land, but to use it to build their own home and a future for their families.

Retaining healthcare personnel

Minister André Misiekaba of Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Arbeid (VWA, Health, Welfare and Labour) described the issuance as part of a joint government effort to curb the outflow of healthcare personnel. According to him, retaining employees requires more than just a better salary.

“Because you may receive a better salary, but if you have to pay 300 euros in rent from it, then you are still not fully helped,” Misiekaba told those present. He called on society to show more understanding and support for healthcare providers, given their crucial role in receiving and treating patients.

Minister Stanley Soeropawiro of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer (GBB) emphasised that a plot of land provides security and creates opportunities for personal development and housing. According to him, hard work has been done in recent months to make the issuance possible.

“Land is life. With a plot of land on which you have security, you know that you can build on it,” Soeropawiro said.

Attention also for employees still waiting

AZP director Marica-Redan pointed to the consequences of healthcare providers leaving for the hospital. She believes that employees must be given concrete prospects to build their future in Suriname.

“We know what that brain drain has done to us. We see the consequences in the hospital. And that is why we must not only talk about how we can retain our healthcare workers. We must also offer them prospects to remain in Suriname,” the director said.

Marica-Redan thanked the government for the issuance and expressed the hope that further initiatives would follow to support healthcare employees. She reminded the government that other AZP staff members are still awaiting their land allocation decisions and asked that their applications also be handled expeditiously.