“Talks with Association of Physicians was shocking”

Chandrikapersad Santokhi, chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), told Times of Suriname that “the talks with the Association of Physicians was shocking.” He had met with the association to discuss the May 20 rally that is being organized by the VHP, the National Party Suriname (NPS), Pertjajah Luhur (PL) and the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP). Santokhi pointed out that the association explained that the situation in the healthcare sector is very bad and that it is possible that vital departments will be closed if the government does not change its policy. “That is very serious. People are already dying because of the decline in healthcare. That is an alarming development”, said Santokhi who added that in September 2016 he already got the feeling that things were not going well in the nation’s healthcare sector. That is why he decided to seek help in the Netherlands. He pointed out that the president appreciated but did not accept the gesture. “Nothing has been done with the help that I sought even though people are dying.” Last week the opposition parties had talks with various organizations and it was concluded that people are discontent with the situation in the country. “They acknowledge that the policy must change. Several organizations claim that this policy is wreaking havoc on several sectors. They agree with the goals of the rally which are to mobilize the people and demand a policy shift,” said Santokhi.