Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has committed to addressing the chronic financial, organizational, and capacity challenges plaguing the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) during her Monday visit to the medical facility. The head of state emphasized that adequate and structural funding represents the cornerstone for resolving the institution’s operational difficulties.
Through a series of presentations by medical specialists, President Simons gained comprehensive insight into the hospital’s daily operations and systemic constraints. She affirmed her administration’s dedication to securing essential financial resources that would enable effective problem-solving measures.
Simons acknowledged that AZP’s challenges have persisted for considerable time, necessitating a methodical approach to safeguard healthcare quality standards. The government’s objective extends beyond hospital-specific improvements to encompass nationwide access to quality medical care for all citizens.
AZP Director Claudia Marica-Redan characterized the presidential visit as strategically significant for collaborative planning regarding the institution’s future development. She presented the hospital’s roadmap for institutional strengthening, which commences with an acute repair phase in 2026 followed by a one-to-three-year recovery period. This transitional stage will include reinforcement of the hospital’s governance framework.
The comprehensive briefing covered critical operational areas including emergency department services, intensive care units, neonatal care provisions, and infection control protocols. Director Redan particularly emphasized digital transformation’s role in enhancing organizational transparency and operational efficiency within healthcare delivery systems.
“The roadmap’s final phase constitutes sustainable development, incorporating AZP’s reconstruction projects and further innovation initiatives,” Redan stated, confirming the hospital administration’s confidence in receiving full presidential support throughout implementation.
President Simons utilized the occasion to address hospital staff ahead of holiday celebrations, expressing profound appreciation for nursing personnel’s dedication while encouraging continued commitment to patient care excellence. She confirmed that concrete structural improvements at AZP will commence implementation throughout 2026.