WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has announced its decision to file a lawsuit against the government of Curaçao, citing the need to challenge the applicability of the Standardization of Top Incomes LNT Act to salaried specialists.
According to Director Gilbert Martina, this law was part of the requirements imposed on Curaçao and other former Antillean islands in order to receive financial assistance from the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Curaçao, the implementation of the LNT law has significant implications for all medical specialists working at the hospital. Despite sending multiple letters explaining the negative impact of the law on the hospital, CMC has not received any response from the government.
Martina emphasizes that it is the duty and responsibility of CMC to ensure the highest level of care, and this is now jeopardized by the law. Since January of this year, CMC has been unable to hire specialists under normal working conditions due to the law. Furthermore, all interested specialists, whether local or foreign professionals, have been discouraged from joining CMC.
Martina clarifies that the specialists' fight is not about earning more money, as management distances itself from Minister Silvania's statement. Rather, they are fighting for accessibility, continuity, and quality of care.
Yesterday, a petition for a preliminary injunction was submitted to the court. In light of this, Michel Berry of the specialist association sought advice from members and legal counsel, who recommended joining CMC in the legal action.
As a result of CMC's decision to file a case against the government, the specialists have decided to resume their work. Martina concludes by expressing disappointment in the behavior of certain ministers, stating that they should be focused on their responsibilities of education and fostering unity, rather than manipulation, deception, and sowing division.