WILLEMSTAD – Twenty-four new healthcare professionals have graduated from the Institute for Nursing Education and Training (Instituut voor Formatie in de Verpleegkunde en Educatie – IFE), marking another step in expanding Curaçao's healthcare workforce.
During a graduation ceremony held on July 1, students received diplomas as medical assistants, registered nurses, nursing assistants (IG caregivers) and pharmacy assistants.
The ceremony follows the graduation of five operating room assistants on June 30, underscoring the government's ongoing investment in training local healthcare professionals to address staffing shortages across the island.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt said the two graduation ceremonies represent more than academic achievements—they are investments in the future of Curaçao's healthcare system.
The minister noted that more than 1,000 people are currently waiting for medical care on Curaçao and said the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals remains one of the main causes of the island's long waiting lists.
"Every healthcare professional who graduates is a step in the right direction," Boekhoudt said. "If we want to improve access to healthcare, we must continue investing in education, local talent and expanding our healthcare capacity. At the same time, we must continue to recognize and value our healthcare professionals for the important work they perform every day."
He acknowledged that significant challenges remain.
"There is still much work to be done. The road ahead is long and challenging, but we remain fully committed to strengthening our healthcare system and supporting the people who make a difference every day," the minister said.
Boekhoudt also confirmed that the Ministry of Health will continue its collaboration with IFE and the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) to increase the island's healthcare capacity.
One of the ministry's immediate priorities is to allow the 27 candidates currently waiting to begin training as operating room assistants to start their education as soon as possible, helping to further expand surgical capacity and reduce waiting times for patients.