WILLEMSTAD - Jerry Semper is stepping down as the chairman of the General Practitioners Association (CHV). In his resignation letter, submitted last Friday, Semper announced his resignation as chairman with mixed feelings but after careful consideration.
Semper, who has been active as a doctor for 30 years, has contributed to strengthening the organization as the association's chairman in recent years. His resignation is the result of various considerations and had been in the air for several weeks.
In his letter, Semper emphasizes that as chairman, he strongly advocated for the interests of CHV and for more involvement in the "General Practitioners Post" (HAP), which has been operational since January 1. "Unfortunately, I have not been able to convince the current minister of the importance of our organization and the necessary involvement," says Semper.
Semper strongly believes in the strength of CHV and is convinced that it is greater and more important than any individual position, including that of chairman. He mentions that his decision to resign is based on personal reasons.
Lack of involvement
According to Semper, the lack of involvement in the HAP has led to a concerning fragmentation within CHV, where the organization seems to be losing its position and influence. "This fragmentation not only harms the interests of general practitioners but also the unity and strength of CHV."
In negotiations regarding the involvement of general practitioners in the HAP, CHV has advocated for managing the HAP. However, this was not supported by the Minister of Health, Javier Silvania.
The final decision was that the HAP, opened on January 1, would be fully managed by the government, and the government recruited all personnel for the HAP. This is separate from an agreement in the second half of the year where local general practitioners can also provide services in the HAP.
Each individual general practitioner must enter into an agreement so that their patients can use the HAP during evening and weekend services. There is a group of general practitioners who refuse to do this, leading to significant tensions.