@misc{37757,
title = {Suriname’s Path to Digitally Transforming Its Health System},
author = {Celentano, Kristina Marie Mulholland and Koralaide Consulting},
editor = {Dotson, Sarah and Doane, Daniel and Tejerina, Luis and Ho-A-Shu, Ian and Afoon Jones, Dominique Marie and Mendes, Richard and Dhanpat, Ritesh Avinash},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.18235/0013939},
abstract = {Suriname has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation of its health system to improve service delivery, strengthen decision-making, and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3. This case study documents the country's multiyear journey from fragmented, paper-based processes to an integrated digital health ecosystem, guided by a national Digital Health Agenda, the Pan American Health Organizations Information Systems for Health (IS4H) framework, and the Inter-American Development Banks Digital House. It highlights digital tools such as electronic health records, a national health information exchange platform, telehealth services, and a patient portal, among others.
Early progress reflects strong leadership, active engagement with private-sector providers, and sustained investments in capacity building and change management. While implementation is still underway, Suriname's experience underscores the value of a holistic approach to digital health transformation that prioritizes interoperability, sustainability, and equity. The lessons emerging from this case study offer practical insights for other low- and middle-income countries seeking to transition from paper-based systems to more resilient, data-driven health systems.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.18235/0013939}
}