The Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Arbeid (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour) is examining the possibility of setting up a field hospital in Commewijne. This is due to persistent smoke nuisance caused by grass and rubbish fires, which has led to health complaints among residents in recent days.
Minister André Misiekaba announced this recently in De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament). According to the minister, it is still unclear how long the smoke nuisance will persist. The government is therefore examining whether a temporary field hospital can be set up so that residents with health complaints can receive medical assistance more quickly and easily.
Misiekaba expressed concern about the many fires currently occurring across the country. “Almost the entire country is on fire,” the minister said. According to him, irresponsible people are taking advantage of the ongoing drought to burn rubbish, causing severe smoke nuisance. Although illegal rubbish burning is punishable by a fine, the minister said enforcement is difficult. Offenders must be caught in the act, which is not easy in practice.
The minister stressed that, despite limited capacity, the Korps Brandweer Suriname (KBS, Suriname Fire Service) is fully committed to bringing the situation under control. The Ministry of Defence and the Nationaal Coördinatiecentrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR, National Disaster Management Coordination Centre) are also involved in providing assistance in Commewijne.
Two people taken to the emergency room
According to Misiekaba, most residents experiencing health complaints are going to medical facilities in Commewijne on their own. Two people had to be taken to the emergency room. As it remains unclear how long the situation will continue, the government is considering setting up a field hospital in addition to the existing medical facilities. This would improve access to medical care for affected residents.
Not yet a disaster situation
Misiekaba has now held consultations with several relevant bodies on tackling the fires and their impact on public health. According to the minister, the situation has not yet officially been classified as a disaster. However, he stressed that the government is not underestimating the seriousness of the situation. “We are not underestimating this and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Misiekaba said.
