WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) has announced a series of healthcare reforms aimed at enhancing medical services and financial sustainability in Curaçao. Among the key changes is an agreement allowing the Analytical Diagnostic Center (ADC) to bill the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) directly instead of the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), resolving long-standing payment issues. Additionally, tariffs at Klinika Capriles have been increased to address financial shortages and ensure better healthcare quality.
In an official statement, the GMN Ministry praised these reforms, emphasizing their importance in creating a more efficient healthcare system.
New Urgent Care Center to Ease ER Pressure
To reduce the burden on the Emergency Room (ER), the government is establishing a new primary care center, Huisartsenpost (HAP). According to Health Minister Javier Silvania (MFK), this initiative will make acute care more accessible and prevent minor health issues from escalating into emergencies.
Additionally, an updated workforce assessment has been conducted to reflect the current demand for healthcare professionals, as previous calculations were outdated.
Cheaper Medicines and Stricter Healthcare Standards
New legislation is set to facilitate the import of generic medicines, making prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for the population. The ministry is also working on establishing a BIG-register, which will set higher quality standards for healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, nurses, and alternative medicine practitioners.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
The ministry has introduced preventive health programs, including ‘Kòrsou ta Move’, which promotes an active lifestyle, and the mobile dental project ‘Pendjente di bo djente’, aimed at improving oral health across the island.
In mental healthcare, authorities are streamlining cooperation among various organizations to enhance efficiency. Meanwhile, the community cleanup project ‘Di bo, pa bo, ku bo’ has contributed to cleaner neighborhoods and increased awareness about waste management.
These reforms mark a significant step forward in improving healthcare access, affordability, and quality for the people of Curaçao.
