THE HAGUE - Dutch MPs Raoul White and Julian Bushoff, both from the GroenLinks-PvdA party, are raising concerns about the dire situation at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) and are seeking clarification on whether the Netherlands has been asked to provide assistance. With the CMC facing significant financial challenges, the two MPs have turned to Dutch authorities, calling for transparency on potential support and the broader risks to Curaçao’s healthcare system.
The CMC, Curaçao’s largest general hospital, has been struggling for years, with increasing financial deficits affecting the quality of care. White and Bushoff are particularly concerned about the impact of these challenges on the continuity and accessibility of healthcare on the island. They are urging Dutch officials, including Health Minister Agema and State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Szabó, to address the crisis.
The MPs are pushing for a clear understanding of the current medical and financial situation at the CMC. They are requesting detailed information on the exact status of the hospital’s operations and finances. With ongoing deficits and a strained relationship between the hospital’s management and Curaçao’s government, the MPs believe that an intervention may be necessary to prevent the situation from worsening.
One of the key issues is the risk to essential medical services. White and Bushoff are concerned about the concrete consequences for patients, particularly those suffering from conditions such as gastrointestinal, ophthalmological, and neurological disorders. Reports suggest that several departments are already unable to provide basic care, raising alarms about the potential health impacts on the island's population.
Given the scale of the crisis, the MPs are questioning whether the Curaçaoan government has officially requested financial assistance from the Netherlands. If such a request has been made, they are keen to know how Dutch authorities have responded and what measures are being considered. If no request has been received, the MPs are seeking clarification on whether one is expected soon, as the situation continues to deteriorate.
White and Bushoff are also pressing for information on what short-term measures the Dutch government can take to support Curaçao. They emphasize the urgency of finding solutions to maintain healthcare continuity on the island. Moreover, they are looking ahead, asking what long-term structural reforms will be necessary to ensure that Curaçao’s healthcare system remains sustainable and accessible in the future. They believe that the Netherlands can play a key role in these reforms, offering both financial support and expertise to stabilize the situation.