The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour is considering the possibility of setting up a field hospital in Commewijne. The reason is the persistent smoke nuisance caused by grass and waste fires, which have led to health problems among residents in recent days.
Minister André Misiekaba recently announced this information to De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament). According to the minister, it is not yet known how long the smoke nuisance will persist. The government is therefore examining the possibility of temporarily setting up a field hospital so that residents with health problems can receive medical assistance more quickly and easily.
Misiekaba said he was concerned about the many fires currently occurring throughout the country. “Almost the entire country is on fire,” the minister said. According to him, irresponsible individuals are taking advantage of the ongoing drought to burn waste, causing significant smoke nuisance. Although illegal waste incineration is punishable by fines, the minister says 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 deployed to bring the situation under control. The Ministry of Defence and the Nationaal Coördinatiecentrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR, National Coordination Centre for Disaster Management) are also participating in relief operations in Commewijne.
Two people at the emergency department
According to Misiekaba, most residents with health problems go to medical facilities in Commewijne themselves. Two people had to visit the emergency department. As it is unknown how long this situation will last, the government is considering setting up a field hospital in addition to the existing medical facilities. This would improve access to care for the affected residents.
Not yet a disaster situation
Misiekaba has already consulted with several relevant agencies about firefighting efforts and their effects on public health. According to the minister, the situation has not yet officially been declared a disaster. However, he stressed that the government does not underestimate the seriousness of the situation. “We do not underestimate this matter and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Misiekaba said.
