in a structural manner. Health, Welfare and Labor Minister André Misiekaba emphasized that the availability of essential medications for all of the nation’s citizens will improve within a short period. He explained that the availability of medications is a strategic issue that must not be left to chance. Medications are deemed as strategic goods by the government because they are also essential like water and electricity which is why the government must provide it. Minister Misiekaba also emphasized the role of the Bedrijf Geneesmiddelen Voorziening Suriname (BGVS) that was founded in 1983 with the goal of purchasing and distributing essential medicines nationwide. When the current administration came into office it quickly realized that the BGVS had lost its strong position on the local market and therefore could not control the prices of medicines. This had a huge impact on the availability and the affordability of medicines.

During the past 10 months the ministry and the management team at the BGVS opted for measures aimed at restoring the strong position of the company. A new management team was installed, debts were partially paid off and steps were taken to make the company healthy and operational again. The Simons administration has also made funds available to the BGVS so that it can pay off other debts. Thanks to these efforts the company will be able to negotiate with international suppliers when purchasing medicines. The minister strongly believes that the nation will notice the improvements within the next couple of months.