Haven’t you ever wondered about the story behind the Diakonessenhuis? It stands here as a beacon of hope. The Diakonessenhuis is more than just a hospital. It represents decades of dedication to healthcare in Paramaribo.
In 1946, the dream of establishing a Protestant hospital began to take shape. But progress was slow. It wasn’t until 1955 that Dr. M.A. van Melle from the Diakonessenhuis in Utrecht stepped in. His initiative breathed new life into the project. He collaborated with the Dutch public broadcaster NCRV.
A fundraising show in 1960 generated over two million Dutch guilders. Suralco made a large donation. They secured a low-interest loan. This combined funding allowed them to begin construction.
Construction started in late 1961. The Diakonessenhuis opened its doors on November 30, 1962. The hospital was founded as the Protestant hospital of Paramaribo.
Initially, the Diakonessenhuis had a capacity of 111 beds. Twelve years later, on November 30, 1974, a second wing opened. The capacity doubled to 221 beds.
As a christelijk sociale instelling or Christian social institution, the Diakonessenhuis committed itself to affordable care. It reserved beds for the poorest and for people from the interior. This commitment led to constant financial challenges. Government subsidies and donations were insufficient.
Despite financial difficulties, staff worked hard. They dedicated themselves to caring for others. The 1980s and 1990s brought severe economic hardship. The hospital struggled to maintain its services. There was even talk of closing the Diakonessenhuis in 2002.
The Surinaamse Stichting Diakonessenarbeid or the Surinamese Diakonessen Work Foundation worked to turn things around. They implemented structural changes. They improved efficiency. The management team restored the Diakonessenhuis to good health.
The Diakonessenhuis now uses fully digitized radiology equipment. In 2013, it was the first hospital in Suriname. It had operating rooms with advanced air treatment systems. The Diakonessenhuis is adapting to changes in healthcare. A dialysis center with Diapura was built near Johan Bodegravenlaan.
A new service center promotes collaboration. It connects healthcare workers. These workers come from primary care like family doctors. They also come from secondary care at the hospital.
The Diakonessenhuis has faced financial struggles. But there are also personal stories. These events led the board and management to create a commemorative book. This book tells the history of the Diakonessenhuis. It is filled with images. The book is titled Heel de mens, 50 jaar Diakonessenhuis, 1962 – 2012. This translates to The Whole Person, 50 years of Diakonessenhuis, 1962 – 2012.
Today, the Diakonessenhuis continues to improve. It focuses on its patients. PAPSupplies, a Surinamese company, partners with the Diakonessenhuis. They allow patients to pick up their orders for sleep apnea products at the ENT outpatient clinic.
The Diakonessenhuis stands as a testament. It shows the power of community support. It exemplifies dedication to quality healthcare. It focuses on those in need. The hospital’s commitment remains unwavering.