WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's Inspector General of Public Health, Sirving Keli, has retired, but no successor has yet been appointed to lead the Inspectorate of Public Health.
Keli confirmed his departure in an interview discussing his retirement, adding that, to the best of his knowledge, no replacement has been designated. Efforts to obtain clarity from the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) regarding a successor have so far yielded no definitive answers.
According to Keli, work is likely underway behind the scenes to identify a replacement, but he warned that the situation should not continue for long.
The former inspector-general stressed that the position is far more than a ceremonial role. He noted that the office is responsible for overseeing complex and integrated healthcare matters that go beyond the responsibilities of individual inspectors.
"You need a leader," Keli said, warning that the absence of an inspector-general creates a vulnerable administrative situation within the inspectorate.
Keli first assumed the role on an acting basis in 2018 following a breakdown in relations between then Health Minister Suzy Camelia-Römer and his predecessor, Jan Huurman. The Pisas administration formally appointed him Inspector General in 2022 after several years serving in the acting position.
His departure leaves the health inspectorate without a permanent head at a time when Curaçao continues to face challenges related to healthcare access, staffing shortages and the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.
Keli says he intends to remain active following a brief period of rest and hopes to continue contributing to the healthcare sector through advisory work and project management.