WILLEMSTAD - A dispute has emerged in Willemstad regarding the responsibility for patient care at the new General Practitioner Post (HAP) set to open in January, managed by the Ministry of Public Health. This post, a government initiative, has sparked a discussion among general practitioners about who is accountable for patient care: the general practitioner or the organization overseeing the HAP.
In a letter addressed to the health inspector, Serving Keli, general practitioners have inquired whether this arrangement conflicts with the ministry's duties or if there are conflicts of interest. According to Keli, there is no conflict. He emphasizes that it is common globally for the government to play a role in public healthcare, with or without a hospital, where staff are employed by an organization or have civil servant status.
Keli states that there must be agreement with the sector before the HAP's opening. The new HAP, located in the building of Dr. Jansen's former practice, will be a healthcare institution and needs to obtain the necessary permits, similar to any other healthcare institution.
General practitioners question whether the continuity of care in the primary line is the responsibility of the general practitioner or the Ministry of Public Health. Keli indicates that this primarily depends on the organization of care. Individual general practitioners are responsible for the continuity of care for their patients during office hours. For night and weekend shifts, general practitioners must ensure adequate emergency care, while the ministry is responsible for the structure and organization of medical care in general.
There is still uncertainty about the responsibility of general practitioners for their patients during evening, night, and weekend shifts when the HAP is operational. According to Keli, clear agreements on paper regarding patient handover and communication back to the general practitioner after the shift should be in place before the HAP opens.
The General Practitioners Association (CHV) recently held a meeting with the Minister of Public Health, Javier Silvania, regarding the final details of the HAP. Today, CHV continues its meeting with its members to inform them about the outcomes of the discussions with the minister.