WILLEMSTAD – The Inspectorate for Public Health has launched an investigation into possible negligence at the Emergency Department of the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) following allegations by the parents of a minor that their child was not given proper medical care, resulting in a life-threatening situation.
According to the parents, their child suffered a ruptured appendix after repeated visits to the emergency room failed to identify the seriousness of the condition. The case has caused widespread public concern after the parents went public with their story in local media.
Incident Details
The child first developed severe abdominal pain, prompting the parents to take them to CMC’s emergency department. There, staff allegedly concluded that the pain was likely due to constipation, advised against further medical tests, and recommended administering paracetamol.
The following day, with the child still in pain and unable to stand, the parents returned to the emergency room. Again, they were told there was no serious cause for concern. Unsatisfied, the parents sought a second opinion from their family doctor, who diagnosed a burst appendix and issued an urgent referral to the hospital.
Upon returning to CMC with the referral letter, the child was admitted for surgery. Surgeons confirmed that the appendix had indeed ruptured, requiring removal and an extensive cleaning of the abdominal cavity.
Official Response
Health Inspector-General Sirving Keli confirmed that the Inspectorate has taken note of the incident and will investigate whether negligence occurred.
“The case has caused great concern in the community,” Keli stated. “No official report of the incident had been filed with the hospital prior to the parents’ public complaint.”
The parents believe the complications could have been avoided had emergency room staff conducted thorough examinations during the first visits.
The Inspectorate’s investigation will determine whether there were lapses in the standard of care provided at CMC’s emergency department and, if so, what corrective measures should be taken.
