MZ Brownsweg clinic workers no longer feel safe

The employees at the MZ clinic at Brownsweg on Monday left for the city in a hurry. They are reportedly furious because burglars have been at it again. The house of a physician was burglarized on Saturday night. This is the 8th burglary on MZ premises. “I am afraid that they will return at night because they were unsuccessful. If I can’t get a good night’s sleep, I can’t perform well the next day”, said Doctor An van Immerseel, permanent physician at the clinic. The 20 employees who are stationed at the clinic went to the main office in Paramaribo on Monday. They made it clear that they no longer feel safe and that they would only return when management can guarantee their safety. There have been several break ins at the clinic and their homes located around the clinic. The burglars have made off with jewels, medicines and even furniture. One time they also destroyed a water pipe. The criminals also managed to gain access to the bedrooms of a worker whom they gave death threats. A talks with the local village chief has not yielded any results. “There is not much the police can do. We need soldiers in the area”, said Roy Haverkamp, chairman of the Medische Zending Werknemersorganisatie (MZWO). The workers have already put several issues that must be addressed on paper. Management had suggested transporting the employees to the clinic during the day. The workers have rejected this suggestion and made it clear that they have tolerated things for far too long.

A member of the management team reportedly explained that the MZ is dependent on subsidy. It has not received any money which is why it still can’t address the safety concerns. Meanwhile about 3,000 people from Brownsweg and the surrounding area no longer have access to medical care. The nearest clinic is located at Klaaskreek. In order to keep the clinic at Brownsweg open, the MZ will have to work together with the government and the village chief. Management pointed out that it is already busy asking the National Army to come to its rescue. Local companies and organizations have also been asked to give their support.