PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname has praised the work done by two United Nations organizations in the area of health, saying that they have been “crucial partners” in Suriname's efforts to improve its health care system.
President Chan Santokhi takes a look at the ‘Health for All Fair’ held on the grounds of the International Mall. (via CMC)President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, who attended the “Health for All Fair” as part of the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) here, said that together with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) they had played a major role in the development of the country’s health system.
Santokhi said that the WHO has worked tirelessly over the past 75 years to promote health in Suriname and that in the national security plan he received last Friday, two of the six priority areas in this document are safety and health.
Noting that CARICOM leaders are meeting in Trinidad from Monday to discuss security as a public health issue , Santokhi also emphasized the importance of mental health care, adding that an inventory of health care is necessary.
He said Suriname needs to return to basic health care, as second-line care is expensive.
Health Minister Amar Ramadhin of Health, said that prevention is the most important tool that will be used to reduce costs as well as improve care.
He told the audience at the event on Sunday that through the Health for All Fair, the Ministry of Health is seeking to to raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle, but also to promote the various service activities of health institutions in Suriname.
“There are major challenges, which have also been well visualized,” Ramadhin said assuring the audience that the government is committed to improving public health.
