Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has concluded a strategic technical mission to Colombia’s Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) in Bucaramanga, focusing on deepening bilateral healthcare cooperation and gathering practical insights for Suriname’s healthcare system modernization. The visit, characterized as policy-oriented rather than diplomatic, emphasized preventive medicine, enhanced specialist coordination, and potential cost reduction through collective medication procurement.
During a press briefing at the Presidential Cabinet, Simons clarified that the journey followed December discussions with HIC representatives in Suriname. The delegation traveled under tightened security protocols due to regional uncertainties, with the final travel decision made shortly before departure. Cost containment measures included minimizing delegation size and excluding media personnel, resulting in delayed photographic documentation.
The bilateral dialogue centered on integrating primary preventive care with hospital services, with HIC presenting data demonstrating how prevention strategies reduce expensive treatment pathways. Pharmaceutical collaboration emerged as another key pillar, exploring participation in bulk purchasing programs through Colombian manufacturers to lower prices for specialized medications. President Simons assured objective price comparisons with existing import channels from India and Netherlands would precede any procurement decisions.
Structural communication improvements between Surinamese and Colombian medical teams were prioritized, particularly for post-treatment care following complex procedures like transplants and cancer therapies. Digital consultations and enhanced medical data exchange mechanisms were identified as critical enablers for transnational patient management.
Implementation timelines include establishing a joint working group within six to eight weeks to develop concrete action plans covering digital specialist coordination, postoperative care protocols, and charter flight options to simplify travel routes currently requiring connections through Panama. A reciprocal HIC delegation is expected in Suriname during February’s third week for presentations to local healthcare institutions, with feasibility assessments scheduled for March to ensure focused, time-bound outcomes.
President Simons acknowledged outstanding payments to HIC but confirmed resolution commitments to ensure uninterrupted treatment for Surinamese patients.