187 pieces of medical equipment were donated by Japan to Suriname

To commemorate the successful completion of the project, a final handover ceremony was held on April 20th with the attendance of Her Excellency Krishnakoemarie Mathoera, Minister ad interim of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency Dr. Amar Ramadhin, Minister of Health of Suriname, Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan, and Mr. Alejandro Rossi, Multi-Country Director, Costa Rica, Panama, English & Dutch spoken Caribbean.

“This gesture by the Government and People of Japan to the Government and People of Suriname demonstrates a deep sense of solidarity, cooperation and friendship among all stakeholders. As Japan is a strategic partner, Suriname is determined to deepen and expand further cooperation with Japan in different fields and levels based on mutual respect and win-win. We also appreciate the efficient support of UNOPS, resulting in the hand-over of more medical equipment worth in value. Suriname and UNOPS will further discuss cooperation options to create balance in the pillars of sustainable development” remarked Ambassador Albert Ramchand Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname, shortly before his departure to an urgent unforeseen duty in the region. His honor was observed by the Minister ad interim of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Krishnakoemarie Mathoera, who emphasized the remarks made by Minister Ramdin.

Due to the changing circumstances related to the pandemic, the Ministry of Health requested to modify the list of medical equipment in the project proposal. UNOPS worked to accommodate their changing needs and priorities to improve the health service delivery in Suriname.

“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” said Honorable Dr. Amar Ramadhin, Minister of Health of Suriname.

The medical equipment will benefit more than 17.000 people in 9 hospitals across the country.

• Atjoni Ziekenhuis in Sipaliwini
• 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 of Japan contributes USD 4.6 million towards the Project for Enhancing the Healthcare System through the Provision of Medical Equipment that includes four Caribbean countries as beneficiaries: Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, Guyana and Suriname.

"The Government of Japan takes immense pleasure in the successful implementation of this important project, and in the professional work of UNOPS and the Ministry of Health of Suriname. Their diligent efforts have supported the upgrade of Suriname's medical care system in the wake of the dynamic and challenging COVID-19 pandemic. This project is no doubt also a reflection of the longstanding bonds of friendship our two countries have enjoyed since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975, and it is my sincere hope that these bonds will continue to be strengthened in the future”, stated Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan.

The first medical supplies arrived in Suriname in March of 2021 and the remaining pieces are scheduled to be delivered in June. All donated equipment has a 2 year warranty and maintenance, and includes training for end users.

“It is an honor for UNOPS, as a member of the United Nations System, to work alongside the Ministry of Health of Suriname and the Government of Japan towards an effective response to the pandemic and the strengthening of national health systems in the caribbean region; all of these actions are part of UNOPS fair public management approach and contributes to the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goal N°3 regarding “Good Health and Well-Being”, explained Mr. Alejandro Rossi, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for the English & Dutch Caribbean, Costa Rica and Panamá.

UNOPS was able to purchase additional pieces of medical equipment, by obtaining highly competitive prices, that achieved savings in the acquisition process of overall 10% in regard to the initially estimated price of the equipment.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Ramirez

Communications Officer

UNOPS Costa Rica

sandrarr@unops.org

Isabela Fraiz

Partnerships Assistant

UNOPS Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

isabelaf@unops.org