WILLEMSTAD - Healthcare in Curaçao needs to undergo changes. These changes and reforms should focus on achieving improvements in the financial aspect, as well as the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. This is the conclusion drawn from a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The sector, according to the IMF, is facing challenges in covering the rising costs. The majority of these costs are coming from the collective health insurance on the island, provided by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). Many healthcare recipients are insured through their employers, with a small percentage (just over five percent) being privately insured. Additionally, the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is a major cost factor.
The demands for healthcare services from the population are increasing to the point where the government is facing financial shortfalls to cover everything. To address this, healthcare needs to undergo significant reforms. For example, making commonly prescribed medications more accessible to healthcare recipients is highlighted as an important aspect of the reform.
Curaçao is currently in discussions with the Netherlands to guide the process of healthcare reform in the right direction.