First medical equipment donated by Japan delivered to Suriname

Suriname, March 11th, 2022- Public hospitals of Suriname received a total of 119 pieces of medical equipment for the care of patients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic within the framework of the Project for Enhancing the Healthcare System through the Provision of Medical Equipment.

The donation from the Government of Japan, managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has consisted of two mobile X-rays, 61 infusion pumps, 40 infusion pump sets, 15 transport monitors with their trolleys; and five blood gas analyzers.

This first delivery of medical equipment has been valued at 264,000 US dollars and will be distributed among 9 hospitals across the country. Some of the beneficiary hospitals are:

Atjoni Ziekenhuis in Pokigron

            Regional Hospital Wanica in Lelydorp

Mungra Medical Centre in Nieuw-Nickerie

            S'lands Hospital in Paramaribo

            Academic Hospital in Paramaribo

            Sint Vincentius Hospital in Paramaribo

            Diakonessenhuis Hospital in Paramaribo

Regionale Gezondheidsdienst (RGD) in Paramaribo

Medische Zending Primary Health Care in Paramaribo

“The Government and people of Suriname have been battling COVID 19 admits of a severe financial crisis. It is with the help and support of international partners, private donors and bilateral donations, such as the generous donation from the Government and the People of Japan, that we have been able to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of Suriname, in particular the Ministry of Health, truly appreciates this special gesture from the Government and People of Japan in the spirit of solidarity and friendship as it will certainly contribute to the strengthening of the health system in Suriname. Nine healthcare institutions throughout the whole country will benefit from this gesture. The Government of Suriname embraces this gesture which has strengthened the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries”. stated Honorable Dr. Amar Ramadhin, Minister of Health of Suriname.

The Government of Japan contributes USD 4.6 million towards this Project for Enhancing the Healthcare System in Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Belize and Guyana, an agreement signed in March of 2021. Medical supplies and personal protective equipment will benefit over 57 thousand people in the 4 Caribbean countries.

“As COVID-19 continues sweeping the entire world, the Government of Japan is pleased to be able to support Suriname’s public health system through the provision of this equipment in collaboration with UNOPS, building on ongoing regional and global cooperation through such organizations as CARPHA and COVAX Facility. Japan praises the Government, Health Authority and medical staff of Suriname for their tireless efforts to fight against COVID-19, and welcomes this project as an opportunity to further strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation enjoyed between our two countries.”  said Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago.

The remaining medical equipment for Suriname expected to arrive in upcoming months includes ambulances, ECG recorders and their trolleys, diagnostic scanning system and AED defibrillator with patient specific CPR feedback, among others.

“It is an honor for UNOPS, as a member of the United Nations System, to work alongside the Health authorities of Suriname and the Government of Japan to respond  effectively  to the pandemic strengthening the national health systems in order to support the citizens of this country; all while committing to fair public management and contributing to the Agenda 2030” explained Mr. Alejandro Rossi, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for the English & Dutch Caribbean, Costa Rica and Panamá.

This project is managed by UNOPS in a comprehensive manner, safeguarding the procurement and delivery process while strictly adhering to the requirements of the health authorities of Suriname as well as each of the beneficiary countries; hence ensuring the highest quality, transparency and performance of the economic resources provided by the Government of Japan, to leave no one behind, in full alignment with the principles of fair public management.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Ramirez

Communications Officer

UNOPS Costa Rica

sandrarr@unops.org

Isabela Fraiz

Regional Partnerships Assistant

UNOPS Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

isabelaf@unops.org