WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) treated more patients in 2025 than the previous year, reflecting a growing demand for healthcare on the island. At the same time, the hospital recorded an increase in its mortality rate, raising new concerns about pressure on the healthcare system.
According to newly released performance figures, the number of emergency room visits rose to more than 22,000 in 2025, up from just over 21,000 a year earlier. Outpatient visits also increased, surpassing 60,000. In total, more than 22,000 patients were admitted, including just over 13,000 clinical admissions.
The hospital also carried out more diagnostic procedures and treatments. Nearly 25,000 X-rays were performed, along with close to 12,000 CT scans. Surgical activity reached almost 6,000 operations, while nearly 1,000 cardiac catheterizations were conducted.
The data not only points to higher patient volumes but also suggests increasing complexity of care. The average length of stay rose from 2.7 days in 2024 to 3.0 days in 2025, indicating that patients may require more intensive treatment.
One of the most notable developments is the rise in mortality. A total of 386 patients died in the hospital in 2025, representing 2.9 percent of admitted patients, compared to 2.4 percent the previous year. The hospital did not provide a specific explanation for the increase.
The figures reflect broader trends within Curaçao’s healthcare system, which is facing mounting pressure from rising demand and shortages of specialized medical staff. At the same time, CMC has warned of a deteriorating public health situation, particularly due to the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, which are appearing at younger ages and requiring more complex hospital care.
International analyses have also pointed to financial and organizational strain within the system, alongside a shift toward more intensive and costly treatments.
Similar pressures are being observed elsewhere in the Caribbean. For example, Hospital Mariadal has reported ongoing challenges related to staff shortages, high workloads, and increasing demand driven by population aging and migration.
The combined effect of rising patient numbers and limited capacity is placing healthcare systems across the region under strain, forcing institutions to adapt while maintaining quality of care.