WILLEMSTAD - The government of Curaçao will assume ownership of the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) building, along with the annual capital costs of nearly 18 million guilders. This includes interest and loan repayments for the hospital’s construction, previously handled by HNO Vastgoed en Beheer NV since 2019, according to the September Financial Management Report (FMR).
The property transfer is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the hospital building officially incorporated into the government’s assets as of January 1, 2025.
Financial Relief for CMC
To ensure the hospital's continued operations, the government has allocated nearly 50 million guilders in the 2025 budget. This includes absorbing the 18 million guilders in loan payments, enabling the CMC to redirect these funds entirely to patient care.
In addition, 10 million guilders will be allocated to ensure healthcare access for uninsured residents, while 3 million guilders are earmarked for salary improvements for healthcare staff—an essential move to maintain quality care, as noted in the report.
Long-Term Support and Investments
The government’s financial backing extends further. The Social Insurance Bank’s (SVB) Basic Insurance Fund will see structural increases in funding for 2025 and 2026, with further expansions planned from 2027 onward. These adjustments aim to improve healthcare services and provide a more stable financial foundation for the CMC.
Maintenance and replacement investments for the hospital building will also be financed by the SVB, without additional strain on the national budget.
Challenges Remain
While the transfer of ownership eases financial pressure on the CMC, it does not resolve all challenges. The government is exploring further measures, including restructuring hospital operations to achieve annual savings of 6 million guilders.
These proposals require approval from both the CMC board and the Council of Ministers. Only after these approvals can detailed plans be developed and implemented.
The ownership transfer represents a significant step in securing the hospital's financial stability while prioritizing accessible and high-quality healthcare for Curaçao’s residents.
