In a significant advancement for rural healthcare infrastructure, Suriname’s Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor André Misiekaba officially inaugurated the Medical Mission polyclinic in the southwestern village of Coeroeni on Monday. The ceremony marks a transformative development for residents of Coeroeni and surrounding communities who will now receive structured primary healthcare services and guaranteed medication access.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of key officials including VWA Director Rakesh Gajadar Sukul and Medical Mission Director Herman Jintie, alongside traditional leadership figures including the granman of Sipaliwini, local captains, and community representatives.
Minister Misiekaba emphasized that personal visits to interior villages are essential for understanding the actual healthcare needs of the population. “Policy cannot be created solely from behind a desk but must align with on-the-ground realities,” the minister stated, according to the Health Ministry.
The ministry has established a sustainable arrangement through collaboration between Medical Mission and the State Health Fund ensuring consistent medication supply to the polyclinic. This system guarantees drug availability not only for Coeroeni but also for neighboring villages, addressing a critical gap in remote healthcare delivery.
Misiekaba further highlighted that traditional authorities can directly approach the ministry when medical challenges arise within their communities. The improvement of interior healthcare services represents a cornerstone of government policy under President Jennifer Simons’ leadership.
The operationalization of this polyclinic constitutes a major stride in strengthening basic healthcare services in this region of Suriname, demonstrating the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare distribution across all geographical areas.