Suriname approves dismissal of SZF Director Rudrakanth Oemraw

The Surinamese Council of Ministers has approved the dismissal of Rudrakanth Oemraw, the former Director General of the Staatsziekenfonds (SZF). Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor André Misiekaba stated that the decision was made following legal consultation to ensure the process is handled meticulously, aiming to avoid previous legal losses encountered by the ministry during staff removals.

Oemraw was placed on inactive status in February following allegations of misconduct. These include the unauthorized signing of employment contracts for advisors from other state enterprises, improper use of company resources, and hiring numerous employees outside of established personnel frameworks and salary scales.

Oemraw has contested the proceedings, claiming that the minister had planned his dismissal even before he was placed on inactive status. He alleged that the process was not intended to investigate his performance but was instead a pre-determined plan to remove him. Oemraw also raised concerns regarding transparency, claiming that funds were used to develop this dismissal plan.