Text and image Jason Pinas
PARAMARIBO — “We consider the trust that our patients place in us every day as a great responsibility. This is a special milestone. A milestone that belongs not only to Sint Vincentius Hospital, but to the whole of Suriname. For one hundred and ten years, this has been a place where people can go at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Lives are saved here.” Jason van Genderen, general manager of St. Vincentius Hospital, said this on Friday at the celebration of the institution’s 110th anniversary.
To mark this occasion, there was a ceremony on the forecourt, with the theme ‘Care from generation to generation’. This involved going back into the history of the hospital that was founded in 1916 by the ‘Sisters of Charity’ from Tilburg.
“An anniversary like this invites special gratitude for the past, but at the same time requires us to take responsibility for the future“
Health Minister André Misiekaba
“The institution has survived despite several challenges and has grown into a household name in Suriname over the years,” says van Genderen. He expressed gratitude and appreciation for the ‘Sisters of Charity’ and for the hospital employees. According to him, they continuously prove their love for the Surinamese community. As a sign of appreciation for their dedication, some employees received a present.
Past and future
Minister André Misiekaba of Health, Welfare and Labor called the Sint Vincentius Hospital an institution that is deeply anchored in the heart of society. “It is a hospital where emergency care is available, highly complex care is provided and where people with the most diverse backgrounds come knocking and know that they will be taken care of here. The hospital stands with authority.”
The minister also stated that this special position cannot be taken for granted. “It is the result of daily efforts and a culture that puts the patient first.” He expressed his respect for the staff who often continue to provide the requested quality care under difficult circumstances. Misiekaba: “An anniversary like this invites special gratitude for the past, but at the same time requires us to take responsibility for the future. The health care of the coming decades will have different demands.”
