The government is allocating SRD 635 million for the restoration of the Academisch Ziekenhuis Paramaribo (AZP). President Jennifer Simons mentioned this investment on Wednesday, September 30, during her annual address in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament). The restoration focuses, among other things, on the intensive care unit, operating theatres and emergency department.
The investment is part of a broader approach to improve acute healthcare before the end of 2027. According to the president, several initiatives have been launched for this purpose and are currently being implemented.
At the AZP, this concerns the restoration of the adult intensive care unit, the neonatal and paediatric intensive care units, the operating theatres, the emergency department and the cardiac care unit. Preparations are also being made for the hospital’s autonomisation.
The annual address does not state how the amount of SRD 635 million will be distributed among the various departments, how much has already been spent, or when the individual works will be completed. Nor did Simons explain what administrative and financial changes the planned autonomisation will entail.
Two new emergency posts
In addition to the restoration of the AZP, the government mentions the establishment of two new emergency posts. Their locations and completion dates are not included in the annual address.
Furthermore, the government wants to reintroduce the One Stop Shop for people with diabetes. There, patients should be able to access information, wound care, medical foot care and eye tests, among other services.
Work is also underway to restore the Bedrijf Geneesmiddelen Voorziening Suriname (BGVS) through the Essential Medicines Programme. Addressing the departure of healthcare personnel is also part of health policy, although the address contains no concrete measures on this matter.
Reform of healthcare institutions
The government also wants to update relevant health legislation and strengthen the Staatsziekenfonds (SZF). The Bureau Openbare Gezondheidszorg (BOG) is to be transformed into the Surinaams Public Health Instituut.
Other announced measures include the establishment of a Health Emergency Operations Center and the digitisation and reform of the ARMULOF scheme for medical treatment abroad.
For 2027, the government announces further in-depth investments in the healthcare sector. In the period 2028–2030, work must then be carried out on an integrated and sustainable healthcare system, with greater emphasis on prevention and strengthening primary care.
In this regard, the annual address mentions, among other things, strengthening the health centres of the Regionale Gezondheidsdienst, maintaining accessible care in the interior through the Medische Zending, and centralising ambulance services. The investment in the AZP therefore forms part of a broader recovery and reform programme.
