WILLEMSTAD - Long-serving plastic surgeon Gustavo ‘Vito’ Koeijers (1962) is leaving the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) and emigrating to the Netherlands. Koeijers, who has been a prominent figure at the hospital, attributed his decision to the government's policies towards CMC, along with what he described as a lack of respect from Health Minister Javier Silvania (MFK) and the broader government towards medical specialists.
Koeijers' departure marks a significant moment for CMC, as he is now the fifteenth specialist to resign from the hospital under what many are calling "disastrous" health policies. “The government should be creating solutions, not fostering chaos. Curaçao is losing not only a skilled professional but also a great person,” said MAN party leader Giselle Mc William in a statement shared on her Facebook page.
In response to the widespread attention his departure has received, Koeijers emphasized that while his exit is notable, it’s not only about him. “My departure is being highlighted, but there are also nurses leaving, and they are just as crucial. It’s not about me—someone will replace me,” he said.
Koeijers highlighted several factors leading to his decision, including the implementation of the LNT (National Ordinance on the Standardization of Top Incomes), increased work pressure, and what he called "uncooperative and counterproductive" behavior from Minister Silvania and the government.
He further underscored the ongoing financial issues at CMC, pointing to the hospital’s staggering deficit of 250 to 300 million guilders and the declining state of basic healthcare services. “Basic care is poorly managed. We see a huge number of diabetes cases—about half of the patients. Sixty percent are overweight, and many are suffering from high blood pressure. There’s a waiting list of 450 people for the ophthalmologist. We also have a growing number of dialysis patients, with chair occupancy levels nearly the same as in Amsterdam.”
Despite the rising demand for healthcare, income restrictions are being imposed on medical specialists. According to Koeijers, the LNT has led to a 30-40% reduction in specialists’ incomes while they are still expected to maintain the same workload. “You start to wonder: should I stay? Is this really my future? You can’t work sixty to seventy hours a week without burning out—you need to stay fresh and maintain standards,” he explained.
Koeijers’ departure underscores the broader healthcare crisis in Curaçao, as more professionals question their future at the struggling hospital.