On Thursday, August 12, the Ministry of Health in Suriname received a donation of 30 oxygen concentrators to support patient care in the current COVID-19 situation in Suriname.
The donation came at an extremely opportune time, as transmission of the virus has unfortunately continued to increase over the past 4 weeks. The oxygen concentrators were purchased using funds received from the Canadian government and are to be distributed to health institutions managing patients with COVID-19. The oxygen concentrators along with 6 months’ supply of accessories and consumables are currently at the Company of Medicines Supply Suriname (BGVS) and will be distributed by the Ministry of Health in the coming days based on need.
“While Suriname continues to ramp up its vaccination efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic still requires hospitals and health facilities to be fully-equipped and adequately-stocked to manage patients with COVID-19. Oxygen supply is a critical need during this pandemic and through Canada’s support, PAHO is able to offer more oxygen concentrators to Suriname. To date, PAHO has provided 50 such oxygen concentrators amidst many other types of medical equipment and we continue to provide our technical assistance to the national stakeholders in the appropriate management of these and other medical devices" said Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO Representative in Suriname.
Canada continues to support the fight against COVID-19 and has at various times since the virus was detected in Suriname shown this support through donations of much-needed personal protective equipment, medical supplies and hospital equipment.
