In a striking written statement, Rudrakanth Oemraw, the currently suspended Director-General of Suriname’s State Health Insurance Fund (SZF), has vehemently responded to the controversy surrounding his leadership. He claims the allegations against him constitute unfounded assumptions, an unjust suspension, and even attempts at “character assassination.”
Oemraw emphasized that upon assuming his role, he received no formal handover from previous management. Despite this, he immediately implemented sweeping measures to revitalize the institution. Under his guidance, the SZF reportedly achieved several critical improvements:
– Establishment of a 24-hour accessible General Practitioners Post (HAPS) for clients
– Expansion of SZF pharmacy and Ligeon services to round-the-clock operations
– Recovery of approximately SRD 30 million in wasted funds and/or overbilling from service providers
– Significant enhancement of workplace conditions, transforming what he described as a “mouse hole” where staff worked under difficult circumstances
– Streamlining payment processes to service providers to reduce arrears and protect institutional reputation
– Initiation of digital transformation to reduce paper-based claim processing and increase transparency
– Addressing overlapping payments within the healthcare chain and launching initiatives to ensure BGVS viability
Oemraw maintains these reforms required substantial capacity building and expert recruitment to succeed.
The embattled director further revealed that multiple investigations were launched since his appointment, including a comprehensive review dating back to 2018. He alleges this investigation was sabotaged and claims he was pressured to reverse findings, which he refused. These actions, he states, resulted in “serious threats” against both himself and his family, necessitating security measures.
Regarding his recent leave and subsequent suspension, Oemraw contends he was initially placed on two days’ leave before being unjustly suspended. He observes unusual haste in replacing him and indicates he was encouraged to resign voluntarily.
Media reports referencing an alleged investigation report are dismissed as “subjective, distorted creations” that he never formally received. Oemraw asserts authorities deliberately chose to publicly discredit him rather than await proper investigative outcomes.
The director has declined to provide additional details to media outlets, stating his written response comprehensively represents his position. He promises further elaboration after additional consultation, concluding that “the final word on this matter has not yet been spoken.”