WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has received a second instruction within a week from interim inspector-general Sirving Keli. This instruction is focused on a potential exodus of medical specialists, a situation that the CMC itself had already foreseen. This could jeopardize the continuity and quality of healthcare.
Keli emphasizes the responsibilities of the CMC board according to the National Ordinance on Healthcare Institutions. He urges the board to mitigate the possible consequences of specialists leaving, to anticipate shortages in a timely manner, and to make maximum efforts to fill these vacancies promptly.
Although there is currently no indication of a violation of the law, the Inspectorate for Public Health is already warning the CMC management. Keli states that the inspectorate has the authority to issue instructions in advance.
Verdict
Despite previous claims by the inspectorate that the current waiting lists are mainly caused by a shortage of operating room staff rather than a lack of medical specialists, several specialists have stated that they no longer wish to remain employed at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC).
This comes after a verdict on June 14, in which the court determined that the National Ordinance on Norming Top Incomes (LNT) also applies to the CMC and specialists in employment.
Existing physicians are considering resigning, and potential new medical specialists are declining appointments at the CMC due to the capped maximum top income of around half a million gross. According to Keli, the situation for the hospital management has fundamentally changed. The board must do everything possible to ensure the quality of care.
Reporting
The inspector-general demands a weekly report on the status of the announced departure of medical specialists. The CMC's action plan must be submitted to Keli's office by Friday, July 7. The instruction remains in effect until the situation regarding the LNT has normalized and calm has been restored.