WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao must urgently move from plans to concrete action to reform its healthcare system, with a stronger focus on prevention. That message was delivered by Coryse Barendregt, chair of the board of Stichting Verpleeghuizen Curaçao (SVC), during a recent visit by Governor Lucille George-Wout Mauritsz de Kort to the care institution Betèsda.
During the meeting, Barendregt presented a vision titled “Thinking Differently About Care: Toward a Dignified Old Age in Curaçao.” The presentation addressed the current situation of Betèsda as a healthcare provider and its role within the island’s nursing, care and home-care sector (VVT).
According to Barendregt, Curaçao’s rapidly aging population represents a major challenge for the future of healthcare on the island. She stressed that the growing number of elderly residents will increase pressure on the healthcare system and require structural changes to ensure that care remains accessible and sustainable.
A stronger focus on prevention is essential to keep the healthcare system both sustainable and affordable in the face of demographic changes, Betèsda said in its summary of the meeting.
The urgency of the issue was also emphasized by Rob de Lannoy, chairman of the Council for Elderly Policy. He noted that the challenges facing elderly care on the island are so significant that decisive action from the government can no longer be delayed.
The discussions highlighted the need for long-term reforms to ensure that Curaçao’s healthcare system is prepared to meet the demands of an aging population while safeguarding dignified care for future generations.