WILLEMSTAD – The Consumer and Market Authority of Curaçao (FTAC) has ruled that Stichting Eerstelijns Zorg Curaçao (HAP) abused its dominant position by restricting access to its information system. The regulator is now requiring HAP to provide general practitioners access through an international interface.

The case began after eight GPs filed a complaint, arguing that HAP forced them to use only the HIS SQ.arts software from SQlapius to connect to the HAP system. FTAC determined this requirement was an unfair contractual condition and constituted an abuse of power.

As a result, HAP must now create an international interface (API) that allows information to be exchanged between different healthcare information systems used by GPs.

Final decision after consultation

FTAC had published a draft ruling on July 4, followed this week by its final decision. Both HAP and the complainants were given six weeks to submit their views. While some minor adjustments were made, the core of the measure remained unchanged.

Sanctions possible

The regulator has warned that failure to comply could result in sanctions, including fines or penalty payments. HAP still has the option to appeal the ruling within six weeks of publication.

The decision is seen as a significant step toward ensuring fair competition and improving interoperability in Curaçao’s healthcare sector.