PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The General Director of the State Health Insurance Fund (SZF), Rudrakanth Oemraw, has been suspended from his duties four days after the Health, Welfare and Labour Minister, André Misiekaba, said he had been placed on mandatory leave.
In a letter to Oemraw on Monday, the SZF board said that the suspension was necessary as investigations into the SZF’s operations continue. A copy of the letter has been sent to Misiekaba.
“This investigation is necessary, partly due to actions that violate the SZF’s articles of association and the current management regulations. In this context, you are suspended effective today.”
As a result of his suspension, the SZF board informed Oemraw that he is prohibited from entering the SZF buildings and grounds, as well as accessing the company’s digital systems, files, or administration. He is also prohibited from contacting SZF employees or business associates regarding this matter.
He is also asked to hand over all SZF property in his possession, including vehicles, documents, keys, and access control devices, to Raynell Enfield, the foundation’s board secretary, no later than Thursday this week.
Medical director Shereen Bhikhie has been appointed as the general director. Meanwhile, two legislators have submitted a motion to the National Assembly concerning alleged abuses at the SZF and the Wanica Regional Hospital (RZW).
Members of Parliament Rosselli Cotino and Silvana Afonsoewa, both affiliated with the ruling coalition, want the government to provide full clarity as soon as possible on the financial management, contractual obligations, and governance structures of both institutions.
They said the recent signals and public reporting raise serious questions about the SZF’s financial management, contractual obligations, and internal decision-making. Public concerns exist regarding transparency, good governance, financial accountability, and potential conflicts of interest.
The two legislators also point to a lack of clarity regarding obligations, personnel costs, external contracts, and supervisory structures. This situation would undermine public confidence in the healthcare system. Transparency regarding the SZF’s current financial position is considered necessary to ensure that healthcare provision is not jeopardized.
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