WILLEMSTAD - On average, an amount of 38 million guilders per year has been spent on medical care in foreign countries over the past three years. This amount includes transport, daily allowance and travel and accommodation costs.

In view of the expected level, equipment and professional occupation of the new hospital, this amount is expected to decrease considerably in the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC).

For example, in 2016, 1,084 patients were sent abroad for medical research or treatment. On average over the past three years, that is around 1,000 patients per year. The costs per patient are therefore on average at around 38,000 guilders per person sent per year, compared to the average healthcare costs (excluding medical broadcasts) per capita of around 4,200 guilders per year for local care.