On Wednesday 12 May, Suriname received its most equipped ambulance to date, procured by PAHO according to specific requirements by the country. The generous donation by the Brazilian government was supported by the World Food Programme and PAHO.
During the handover ceremony on the grounds of the Academic Hospital in Paramaribo, the keys to the vehicle were presented to the Minister of Health, Dr. Amar Ramadhin, by the newly appointed Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Raphael Azeredo. The Minister and the Ambassador were joined by PAHO/WHO Representative in Suriname, Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell; the Director of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Mrs. Claudia Marica-Redan and the Director of the Medical Mission, Mr. Herman Jintie, among others.
At the commencement of his speech, the Minister of Health took a moment to acknowledge International Nurses Day, and expressed his gratitude to all nurses and caretakers, who are risking their lives daily to save others. The Minister emphasized that despite the recent appointment of Ambassador Azeredo, they have already been collaborating to further intensify the relationship between Suriname and Brazil. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the government of Brazil and all other parties involved in the procurement of the ambulance. Finally, he indicated that he would ensure that it will be properly deployed.
PAHO facilitated the procurement of the ambulance and helped to develop the technical specifications for the vehicle, which were also officially handed over to the Minister of Health. According to the PAHO/WHO Representative in Suriname, Dr. Lewis-Bell, the procurement process was a lengthy one, and she thanked the Government of Brazil and the World Food Program for their confidence in the Pan American Health Organization to facilitate this process on their behalf. The ambulance is fully equipped with all medical instruments and supplies to provide basic life support. The vehicle is also suitable for transporting patients from the interior, including Brazilian goldminers, using the 4x4 capacity which was specifically requested. “I have been told that this ambulance will be the most equipped ambulance in the fleet in Suriname,” said Lewis-Bell.
The Brazilian Ambassador was pleased to celebrate the joyous occasion. He said this gift symbolizes the relationship between Suriname and Brazil. According to Ambassador Azeredo, this relationship is very extensive and encompasses multiple areas, but healthcare is now the top priority. “Now more than ever, it is necessary to jointly explore what can be done to minimize the effects of this pandemic,” he said. Brazil will continue to do everything in their power to support Suriname.
The Director of the Academic Hospital in Suriname (AZP), Mrs. Marica-Redan also stated that she is extremely grateful for the arrival of the ambulance and indicated that the only emergency response specialist in Suriname, Dr. William, who works at AZP, will work with the team to ensure that the vehicle will be deployed to full capacity. The ambulance will be used by both the Paramaribo Academic Hospital and the Medical Mission.
