WILLEMSTAD - According to the political leader of the PAR party, Quincy Girigorie, on January 1, 2024, the General Practitioners Post (HAP) opened its doors, and this was a necessary step to ensure continuity of primary medical care in Curaçao after consultation hours and weekends.
However, it is becoming apparent that due to decisions taken by the Minister of Health, HAP doctors are struggling to adequately accommodate patients who present themselves in a responsible manner.
Since the opening of HAP (approximately 3 months ago), there have been several cases where home doctors, emergency services, and patients have complained about the functioning and interventions of HAP, and there have already been three cases where individuals were allegedly treated questionably.
According to Girigorie, for HAP to be truly effective, a quick evaluation with stakeholders such as the Curaçao General Practitioners Association (CHV), the Emergency Department (ED) of CMC, and the Association of Medical Specialists Curaçao (VMCS) must be carried out to ensure a responsible flow of expertise and knowledge within HAP. This would allow the doctors working in the HAP service to continuously develop themselves and thus ensure quality care in Curaçao.
Medical care is in continuous development, and as such, constant development is a global necessity.
The Minister's decision to isolate HAP from home doctors (Home doctors CANNOT work shifts anymore, only the group of doctors in the HAP service) which consequently does not guarantee constant access to knowledge, experience, and development in HAP, is visibly affecting the effectiveness of the institution.