Only 40 IC beds in Suriname: “We do not have enough equipment”

The nation’s medical doctors and surgeons recently expressed grave concern regarding the small number of intensive care (IC) beds in Suriname. They pointed out that there are only 40 IC beds in Suriname. Chander Mahabier, a surgeon from the Nickerie District, told Nieuws en Co that the hospital where he works is preparing for the fight against COVID19. “But we do not have enough protective gear,” said Mahabier who currently does not have to work. “All of the surgeries that were scheduled have been cancelled. Only urgent surgeries are being performed.” Mahabier regularly travels from the Netherlands to Suriname to perform surgeries. Suriname implemented a lockdown on June 2 in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Holland will reportedly send 10 breathing machines or mechanical ventilators to Suriname but Suriname still needs more equipment and IC beds. “We will probably have to choose who gets to be saved at the ICU and who doesn’t. We simply do not have enough equipment to help everybody. I have already volunteered to treat coronavirus cases,” said the surgeon who added that he has urged people with medical experience regarding COVID-19 to lend a helping hand in Suriname. “Many people want to help. I am prepared to help them to come to Suriname.”