The MZS Brownsweg health center

The MZS (Medische Zending Suriname) provides primary health care in the large hinterland of Suriname. This hinterland of approx. 60.000 km2 is mainly dense forest and savanna forest. For the most part, there are no roads, but there are rivers and several small airstrips. The area is divided into 3 regions (east, middle, and west). Each region is served by one larger health center with a permanent doctor, and 15 to 20 small clinics in the villages, managed by one or two nurses. The head office of the organization is in Paramaribo. It contains management offices, a permanent communication center for all clinics, a distribution and logistics center, and a training center.
a regional health center consists of a large clinic and 8 to 12 houses
a village center consists of a smaller clinic and 2 houses.
All in all, MZS possesses a building stock of more than 250 units.

The Brownsweg health center had been destroyed during the civil war of 1984-1987. Reconstruction began in 1995. The center was rebuilt in concrete on the existing foundation, and 6 wooden houses plus a water tower were newly built. At that time, we still were convinced that timber is a good construction material. However, the houses have deteriorated quickly, and have been replaced by concrete houses.

Since the beginning in 1995, the health center has been extended twice, and a number of houses have been added. Lately, a doctor’s house was built.