The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour is considering setting up a field hospital in Commewijne. The reason is the persistent nuisance caused by smoke from grass and rubbish fires, which has led to health problems among residents in recent days.
Minister André Misiekaba recently announced this measure in De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament). According to the minister, it is not yet clear how long the smoke nuisance will persist. The Government is therefore considering whether it can set up a temporary field hospital, so that residents with health problems can receive medical care more quickly and accessibly.
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 persistent drought to burn rubbish, causing serious smoke nuisance. Although illegal rubbish burning is punishable by fines, the minister indicated that there are difficulties in enforcing the law. Offenders must be caught in the act, which is not easy in practice.
The minister stressed that, despite its 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 involved in providing assistance in Commewijne.
Two people visited the emergency department
According to Misiekaba, most residents with health problems go to the medical facilities in Commewijne on their own initiative. Two people had to visit the emergency department. Since it is not yet known how long this 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 already held consultations with several relevant institutions on the response to the fires and their impact 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 monitor the situation closely,” Misiekaba said.
