WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt has taken a key step toward modernizing emergency medical services in Curaçao, following a strategic working visit to the Ambulance Care Academy in Harderwijk, the Netherlands.
The visit, carried out together with a delegation from Curaçao, forms part of a broader government effort to strengthen and future-proof emergency healthcare on the island.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that Curaçao’s ambulance services require further professionalization and modernization. This includes the need for clearer structures, well-defined quality standards, and highly trained personnel. The Ambulance Care Academy in the Netherlands is widely regarded as a leading example of how such a system can be organized effectively and sustainably.
During the visit, discussions focused on the development of training programs for ambulance nurses and drivers, the establishment of minimum competency requirements, and the implementation of quality standards. Attention was also given to adapting international best practices to Curaçao’s local context.
In addition, concrete opportunities for long-term cooperation were explored. These include training programs, professional support, and knowledge transfer. Practical implementation strategies were also discussed, such as phased rollouts and hybrid training models, aimed at ensuring sustainable results.
The ministry emphasized that reforming emergency care is not optional, but essential. The focus is not only on responding to emergencies, but also on preparedness, quality of care, and continuity within the healthcare system.
With this initiative, the government is working toward a stronger, more organized, and future-oriented healthcare system for all residents of Curaçao.