Dispute between SZF and specialists resolved

The Ministry of Finance, the Health Ministry, the National Hospital Council (NZR), the State Health Insurance Fund (SZF) and the Association of Physicians (VMS) reached common ground after intensive talks. All parties agreed that the threat of ending medical care for SZF clients would be ‘lifted’ and that the medical care would remain guaranteed. The National Information Institute (NII) issued a press release, indicating that the SZF director had explained in a meeting that the threat to end medical care to SZF clients was blown out of proportion especially given the sum of money that still had to be paid to the doctors. The problem regarding the overdue payments was discussed broadly and parties agreed that a structural solution would be sought to address the issue.

The chairmen of the VMS and the NZR expressed their concerns regarding the underfinancing of medical care in Suriname. The hospital directors once again sounded the alarm regarding the financial situation at the hospitals. They pointed out that several bills of critical suppliers of goods and services still have not been paid. All parties agreed that they needed to work together in order to find structural solutions and that the patients’ interest must be a top priority at all times. All service providers asked that healthcare be given high priority so that the essential funds can be made available and so that the financial deficits can finally be covered. The parties also agreed that the NZR and the VMS would meet with the acting president so that the issues could be put higher on the political agenda pending the efforts to find a structural solution.