In a rare display of political unity, Suriname’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a comprehensive motion addressing systemic governance issues within the country’s healthcare sector. All 31 parliament members present voted in favor of the measure, which was jointly submitted by every political faction in the legislative body.
The motion emerged from a government interrogation session initiated by Assembly members Rossellie Cotino and Silvana Afoensoewa, both representing the National Democratic Party. During the parliamentary proceedings, Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare André Misiekaba provided extensive responses to lawmakers’ probing questions while submitting numerous documentation from both the State Health Fund and the Wanica Regional Hospital.
Central to the parliamentary motion is the government’s constitutional obligation to ensure transparent, efficient, and lawful management of public resources within the healthcare system. The Assembly emphasized that healthcare protection, continuity, and affordability constitute fundamental citizen rights that must be safeguarded.
The resolution identifies persistent financial shortfalls within the healthcare sector as requiring immediate governance improvements and expenditure transparency. Parliament specifically condemned the practice of improperly withholding citizen premiums from the health fund, mandating their prompt restitution.
In its decisive action, the National Assembly has issued a formal demand for the government to:
• Implement robust internal control mechanisms and supervisory structures within state enterprises to ensure proper utilization of public funds
• Submit within 30 days a comprehensive written report to parliament detailing:
– The State Health Fund’s financial position, including liquidity, debts, receivables, and current obligations
– Governance frameworks, internal control systems, and compliance with statutes and board regulations
• Restore stability and operational normalcy at the Paramaribo Milk Center
• Engage judicial authorities whenever financial misconduct is suspected
• Recover unlawfully obtained public resources
• Initiate legislative discussions establishing governance codes for parastatal institutions
This unanimous parliamentary decision delivers a powerful message that financial transparency, accountability, and sound governance must become immediate priorities within Suriname’s healthcare administration.