PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a major government commitment to healthcare modernization. Health Minister André Misiekaba announced a minimum investment of SRD 60 million to upgrade critical departments at the nation’s premier medical institution, founded on March 9, 1966.
The anniversary celebrations featured an interfaith prayer gathering under the theme ‘Strong Together, Forward Together,’ reflecting on six decades of service to the Surinamese community. Hospital Director Claudia Redan emphasized that the institution’s legacy rests on its dedicated staff rather than physical infrastructure, describing healthcare work as a calling rather than mere employment.
‘Do good and don’t look back,’ Redan stated, addressing her team. ‘Working in healthcare isn’t just a job – it’s a vocation. Hundreds of patients depend on us daily, beyond what social media captures: 560 inpatients, over 100 emergency cases, and more than 2,000 outpatient visits.’
Lloyd Pool, Chairman of the General Staff Union, acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by healthcare workers, noting that while thousands of employees have retired over six decades, ‘the hospital itself cannot retire – we continue for the community.’
The substantial investment will fund several critical upgrades:
• Doubling operational operating theater capacity
• Expanding Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from current levels to 16 beds initially, then to 21 beds
• Modernizing neonatal intensive care facilities
• Accelerated renovation of Emergency Department services
Additional initiatives will focus on recruiting specialized nurses and implementing measures to counter brain drain in the healthcare sector. Minister Misiekaba acknowledged existing challenges regarding salaries and allowances but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the sector.
Describing AZP as an indispensable symbol of quality care in Suriname, the minister concluded: ‘This hospital cannot and must not fail. Congratulations on 60 years of dedication, and onward to the next 60 years.’