WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) of Curaçao has unveiled a revamped policy concerning primary midwifery care. This strategic move comes on the heels of a recent judicial ruling that overturned Minister Javier Silvania's previous attempts to curtail the unfettered establishment of midwives on the island.
The legal challenge, spearheaded by midwife Lysanne Dijkstra-Van Heijningen, prompted the ministry to reassess its stance. The court's decision highlighted the inadequacy of evidence supporting a consistent policy restricting the free practice of midwifery. Furthermore, it underscored the lack of justification for denying Dijkstra-Van Heijningen's bid for unrestricted practice.
In response to this legal setback, the ministry has charted a new course with its latest policy iteration. Formulated through extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the policy aims to centralize primary childbirth services within or adjacent to the new hospital infrastructure. Additionally, it seeks to delineate a clear demarcation between primary and secondary midwifery care.
Crucially, the implementation of this policy is being steered by the Fundashon Duna Lus (FDL). The FDL is poised to introduce a comprehensive national protocol for midwifery care, which will serve as the cornerstone of a unified and consistent approach to midwifery services across the island.
Moreover, the policy envisages structural adjustments to reimbursement mechanisms, alongside the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign. This campaign is geared towards educating expectant mothers about the appropriate utilization of primary and secondary midwifery care resources.
With this new policy framework, the Curaçao Ministry of Health is not only rectifying past legal oversights but also laying the groundwork for an enhanced and more equitable provision of midwifery services to the island's populace.