WILLEMSTAD - The interim proceedings brought by the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) against the government commenced on Wednesday morning at 9:30 am. The court session saw the presence of medical specialists from CMC, along with the entire board of directors.
The case revolves around the implementation of the standardization of incomes law, which also impacts medical specialists at CMC. Through legal action, they aim to challenge the National Ordinance Norming Top Incomes (LNT) and have it revoked.
The implementation of this regulation has resulted in many specialists, including those from Curaçao, no longer willing to work at the hospital. The scheme imposes a financial ceiling on specialists, hindering their ability to carry out their work with the required precision and quality. Consequently, waiting times in various departments are expected to further increase.
Present at the hearing are board members Karina Lombardi, Ingemar Merkies, and Gilbert Martina. The medical specialists are represented by doctors Michel Berry, Gustavo Koeijers, Jeanne Koeijers, Farley Andrea, Monique Calmes, and Meindert Manschande.
Previously, Minister Javier Silvania of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) urged the specialists to engage in a dialogue to address concerns related to the LNT and other healthcare issues. However, the specialists sought a response to a letter they had sent to the minister. Since they did not receive a reply, they resorted to legal action.
Given the urgency of the matter, a judgment is expected to be delivered shortly, although the exact timeframe is currently unknown.