Universal Health Coverage: To achieve greater accessibility and financial protection, Suriname is promoting universal health coverage aiming to provide quality care for all citizens.
Hospitals and Clinics: The country has several health institutions, including public hospitals, clinics, and private hospitals. The Academic Hospital Paramaribo is the main referral center and offers specialized care. Healthcare facilities are concentrated more in urban areas, creating inequities in rural regions.
Specialized Care: Specialist care is limited in Suriname, and for certain medical procedures patients seek care in neighboring countries like Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago or travel to the Netherlands. Access to diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scans is limited.
Human Resources and Training: Suriname faces challenges in retaining healthcare professionals, particularly specialists, and in attracting new talents due to low salaries when compared to other countries in the region. There's a need to invest in continuous education and training.
Medical Supplies: The availability and quality of essential medicines and medical supplies can be inconsistent, contributing to treatment challenges.
Emergency Services: Medical emergency response and transport services are not as well-developed, and can impact the timely delivery of urgent care, especially in remote areas.
Non-communicable Disease: Like in many countries, Suriname faces a high burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, which places significant strain on the health system.
Mental health services are limited and under-resourced, hindering the effective management of mental health conditions.
Health Education and Promotion: Efforts are made to promote preventive healthcare and raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, including through community-based initiatives.
International Cooperation: Suriname collaborates with international organizations, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and engages in partnerships with developed nations to enhance its health infrastructure and access to resources.
Overall, Suriname's health care system is working to address challenges, expand access to care, and improve the quality of services for its population. Despite the constraints, healthcare professionals in the country are dedicated to providing quality healthcare and improving the well-being of the people of Suriname.
