PetroChina donates medical equipment to AZP for gastrointestinal examinations

The handover took place during the official commissioning of the hospital’s renovated Gastroenterology department. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing of Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Arbeid (VWA; Public Health, Welfare and Labour), Chinese Ambassador to Suriname Lin Ji, and Staatsolie director Annand Jagesar.

The new equipment is part of a modernisation programme jointly established by PetroChina and the AZP. Both parties signed a financing agreement on March 30, 2026, after which the purchase of the medical equipment began in April.

More options for examinations and treatment

The donation includes four high-quality gastroscopes for stomach examinations, four colonoscopes for intestinal examinations and a specialised transnasal gastroscope, which can be used to conduct examinations through the nose. In addition, PetroChina financed an automated cleaning and disinfection system for endoscopes, a video processor and other supporting equipment.

With the new equipment, medical specialists can perform various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including gastroscopies, colonoscopies and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The latter procedure is used to examine and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct.

Thanks to the high-resolution images, specialists can better visualise abnormalities. The expansion of the available equipment is also expected to increase examination capacity, allowing more patients to be assisted and reducing waiting times.

PetroChina fully financed the purchase of the medical equipment. The renovation and fitting-out of the department were funded and carried out by the AZP itself. Those involved in the implementation included medical specialists, technical staff and suppliers, including Pentax Medical Nederland B.V. and Harsons Meditech Inc.

AZP aims to reduce long waiting times

AZP general director Claudia Marica-Redan stressed the importance of the investment for patient care during the handover. According to her, thanks to PetroChina, the hospital once again has modern endoscopy equipment, including an advanced endoscopy tower and a cleaning and disinfection system.

With its three gastroenterologists and the involved care teams, the hospital can once again offer safe and reliable examinations and treatments, according to Marica-Redan. At the same time, efforts are being made to reduce the long waiting times. She stressed that every patient has the right to timely access to high-quality healthcare.

PetroChina also wants to contribute beyond the energy sector

Li Guoyong, general director of PetroChina Investment Suriname B.V., stated that the company wants to use its presence in Suriname to contribute to the country’s development beyond the energy sector as well.

Although energy remains PetroChina’s core business, the company recognises, according to him, the importance of investments in sectors that directly affect the daily lives of citizens, such as healthcare.

According to Li, the modern equipment should not only benefit patients, but also improve the working conditions of doctors, nurses and other medical staff.

Cooperation with Staatsolie

PetroChina Investment Suriname B.V. is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), an international energy conglomerate. The company holds exploration, development and production rights in offshore blocks 14 and 15 in Suriname. The production-sharing agreements for these were signed with Staatsolie on September 13, 2024. Staatsolie participates in both blocks through its subsidiary Paradise Oil Company N.V.

With the official handover, the AZP assumes responsibility for the further use and management of the modernised Gastroenterology department.