WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government has announced a major multi-year financial investment in the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), aiming to restore hospital operations and improve working conditions for healthcare staff. The measures were unveiled by Minister of Health Javier Silvania on International Nurses Day, celebrated on May 12.
Guilder 87 Million for Equipment and Maintenance
The government will allocate 87 million guilders for critical investments in medical equipment and hospital infrastructure. Plans for these upgrades have already been discussed with CMC Vastgoed (the hospital’s property management), and formal agreements are expected to be signed soon.
Substantial Budget Increases Through 2027
In a significant move, the CMC’s annual healthcare budget will be structurally increased. For 2025 and 2026, the hospital will receive an additional 58 million guilders per year. That amount will increase to 68 million guilders annually from 2027 onward. These funds are part of the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) and Country Curaçao’s national budget.
Of the extra funds, 3 million guilders have been earmarked specifically to improve staff working conditions. Minister Silvania noted that this money should be used to recruit qualified staff, compensate overtime, and reduce long patient waiting lists.
Salary Cap Adjustment for Medical Specialists
As a third measure, the Minister announced plans to explore raising the salary cap for medical specialists within the limits of the National Ordinance on the Standardization of Top Incomes (LNT). A legislative amendment to enable this change is currently being finalized.
Support for Undocumented Care Costs
Finally, the government will begin issuing quarterly advance payments to CMC to cover medical care costs for undocumented patients—an ongoing financial burden for the hospital. An initial payment of 5 million guilders is being transferred this week to help improve the hospital’s liquidity position.
Minister Silvania emphasized that these measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening Curaçao’s healthcare system, improving both care quality and conditions for frontline workers.
