PARAMARIBO — The State Health Insurance Fund (SZF) recently announced that M. Hoogvliets Dentistry stopped providing dental services to educators as of August 1st.

This announcement shocked and disappointed teachers. Dozens of teachers pointed out that they get the impression that they are being stripped of their secondary benefits. “What else will they take from us?” The nation’s teachers therefore urged their unions to let their voices be heard and to stand up for the rights of teachers nationwide. They also expressed disbelief as the announcement comes at a time when many teachers are calling it quits to seek a better future and higher salary elsewhere. The SZF explained that the teachers are not the only ones to be affected by this because the KPS, KBS, the BBS, the KPA and Customs also can no longer go to this MHD. Educators who went to M. Hoogvliets Dentistry must report to the Registration Division, Customer Relationship Management or one of the SZF offices to choose another dentist. According to teachers, this measure is a heavy blow. The nation’s teachers expressed concern over the loss of a reliable dental services provider and pointed out that this only boosts uncertainty. They also made it clear that they should not have to go looking for solutions because they expect their unions to demand answers from the SZF. “Where are our unions?” “When will they fight for us?” The teachers want their unions to discuss this issue with the SZF and the government as soon as possible. They explained that they are being stripped of the right to choose their dentist and that they get the feeling that they are losing secondary benefits step by step.