Suriname’s Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor, André Misiekaba, officially inaugurated the new governing board of the State Health Insurance Foundation (SZF) on Friday, emphasizing the institution’s critical role in the nation’s healthcare system. The installation ceremony marked a strategic move toward enhanced oversight, financial discipline, and operational transparency within the country’s primary health insurer.
Minister Misiekaba underscored that the effectiveness of Suriname’s entire healthcare infrastructure is intrinsically linked to SZF’s performance. “The healthcare system stands or falls with the functioning of SZF,” he stated, adding that any operational challenges at the foundation would create “a problem for all of Suriname.” The newly appointed board has been tasked with serving as the ministry’s eyes and ears, providing rigorous supervision of the fund’s management and daily operations.
A paramount objective for the incoming administration involves preparing the transition to a single-payer healthcare model, where all payments within the sector would be processed exclusively through SZF. This structural overhaul aims to achieve greater efficiency, improved cost control, and enhanced oversight across healthcare services. Implementation will require legislative amendments and intensive consultations with healthcare providers and stakeholders.
Board member Marciano Djanam emphasized to the Suriname Communication Service that policy changes must yield tangible benefits for citizens. Despite economic challenges, he affirmed the commitment to maintaining accessible and affordable healthcare. “We already see doctors receiving timely payments and patients avoiding additional co-payments at main pharmacies. This stability must be maintained and strengthened,” Djanam noted.
The diverse board composition includes financial experts, medical professionals, and business leaders: Soecil Oemar, Marciano Djanam, Raynel Enfield, Rajendra Ramautar, Raoul Abisoina, and Milton Sandvliet. Joan Dogojo and Reginald Talea will serve as deputy members to ensure decision-making continuity. The board will remain in function until the next regular governance elections in September.