“Our citizens deserve the best possible healthcare and with the support of partners like the OPEC Fund we can be assured of cementing the foundation to succeed in this process.”
Sebitadebie Gopa (left, second from right), Acting Director of the Regional Health Directorate (RGD)
OPEC Fund delegation and Sebitadebie Gapa (second from right) of the RGD, which provides primary healthcare in Suriname’s coastal area, serving some 100,000 citizens through health care centers (PHCs).
Andrea Redjosetiko, Nurse / Process Coordinator, PHC Onverwacht Our clinic is open from 7am until 11pm, seven days a week. That makes it easier for working people to come in on their own time. As a nurse, you have to perform many vital functions. We conduct initial consultations, record patient data, and refer cases to the doctor. We also administer vaccinations, treat wounds, and counsel people suffering from anxiety and stress that can lead to hypertension. We have a nurse specialized in diabetes, as well as an in-house midwife who provides pre-natal care and performs deliveries. We also go out with the ambulance to pick up trauma cases. I feel good when I’m helping people. We don’t yet have all the equipment and supplies for our work to progress smoothly. It would be a big plus if we did soon, so that as a team we could better satisfy our patients.
Harriet Neslo, Public Relations and Information Manager, Regional Health Directorate (RGD) Suriname RGD operates 51 healthcare clinics in total, 17 of which now offer expanded services such as an in-house pharmacy, ambulance, and a facility for delivering babies. We also conduct outreach in schools and host information sessions to raise awareness of reproductive health, breast cancer, diabetes, and other health care concerns. Our slogan is ‘We Bring Healthcare Close To Home.’ We’re aiming to set new standards with clinics like PHC Onverwacht.
The facility it replaced was small, not as nice, and not as easy to reach. One of the areas we still require assistance with is transportation.
There are some 30,000 people living in this area, and some homes are located 20 km away. There’s no bus or public transportation system, and not everyone has access to a car. We can’t do individual outreach with our ambulance. It’s too expensive. This is an ongoing challenge, especially for older people.
PHOTOS: OPEC Fund/Federico Pardo 11
PHOTO: OPEC Fund/Nadia Benamara
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