Health Minister André Misiekaba has publicly endorsed the governing board of Suriname’s State Health Insurance Fund (SZF), granting them full authority to address organizational irregularities following the leak of an internal staff memorandum. In an exclusive interview with Starnieuws, Minister Misiekaba characterized the disclosure of internal matters as deeply regrettable, employing a local proverb to emphasize his point: “Whoever damages their nose, damages their face” – suggesting staff members ultimately harm their own institution through such actions.
The minister revealed that an ongoing investigation into previous operational developments within SZF has prompted the continued suspension of director Rudrakanth Oemraw. According to ministerial statements, dozens of employees were recently hired outside established staffing frameworks and salary scales, violating statutory procedures that explicitly reserve these decisions for the board’s authority.
Minister Misiekaba clarified that according to SZF’s statutes, the board holds ultimate managerial responsibility, possessing the legal mandate to review and potentially override directives from management. The board has received concerning reports regarding terminated employment contracts of individuals potentially crucial to the ongoing investigation, raising additional questions about procedural compliance.
“The board consequently possesses full mandate to restore operational stability,” Misiekaba stated, emphasizing that both management and staff must adhere to the board’s statutory responsibilities. The minister stressed the critical importance of allowing the internal investigation to proceed without interference to ensure its thorough completion.