PARAMARIBO - The massacre that took place in the Commewijne District and other recent incidents have once again triggered the parliamentary discussion about mental healthcare.

MP Jerrel Pawiroredjo (NPS) explained that the government must present an effective policy aimed at tackling mental health issues. This policy must be focused on prevention, treatment and hospital admission. According to Pawiroredjo, the nation’s healthcare sector has experts who are willing to lend a helping hand but it lacks the tools and funds. MP Pawiroredjo explained that especially the vulnerable groups such as the homeless people and people who are struggling with a drug addiction remain out of reach. He specifically mentioned the fact that the Bureau for the Homeless and the Bureau of Alcohol and Drugs are having structural capacity problems. “We often see that a growing number of homeless people of which most of them are mentally ill or addicted to drugs are being abandoned,” said MP Pawiroredjo who added that parliament will do its part. MP Pawiroredjo pointed out that the recent incidents have made it clear that mental healthcare can no longer be ignored. He urged the minister of Health, Welfare and Labor and the minister of Social Affairs and Housing to prioritize this issue by working on an effective policy. “Some things can be addressed stat,” said MP Pawiroredjo who also has a medical degree.