WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has issued a warning that it may no longer be able to fulfill its legal obligation to provide healthcare due to an increasing shortage of medical specialists. This revelation comes from legal documents ahead of a summary proceedings lawsuit against the government. 

The hospital has stated that the accessibility of responsible healthcare is at risk as long as the salary cap established by the National Ordinance on Regulating Top Incomes (LNT) remains unchanged for medical professionals. Minister Javier Silvania (MFK) of Health, Environment, and Nature has so far refused to agree to a salary increase, despite CMC’s assertion that such a change is essential to retain current specialists and attract new doctors. 

The Inspector-General for Public Health, Sirving Keli, shares the hospital’s concerns. He warns that without intervention, waiting times for treatments will continue to increase, potentially endangering patients. Additionally, the costs of medical evacuations could rise significantly. 

CMC’s lawyers have emphasized that the hospital cannot afford to wait for the outcome of a lengthy court procedure under these conditions. 

The summary proceedings are scheduled for Monday, April 14.