WILLEMSTAD – Advent Hospital has raised concerns about its financial situation, persistent staff shortages, and the urgent need to modernize medical equipment during a recent visit by Curaçao Governor Mauritsz de Kort. Hospital management emphasized that its tariffs have remained unchanged since 2001, despite substantial increases in operating costs over the past 25 years.
The hospital announced details of the visit on Thursday, November 12, 2026, explaining that the Governor toured its Damacor location and met with several department heads to gain a better understanding of the institution's daily operations and challenges.
During the tour, department heads briefed De Kort on patient care, daily activities, and the difficulties they face in maintaining medical services. According to the hospital, staff shortages and the need for additional medical equipment are among the most pressing problems affecting nearly every department.
These challenges highlight the areas where further investment and institutional support are needed to maintain and improve healthcare services.
Hospital Tariffs Have Not Changed Since 2001
One of the central issues discussed during the visit was the hospital's financial situation.
Advent Hospital stressed that adjusting its tariffs has become increasingly urgent because the rates it receives for medical services have not been revised since 2001.
Meanwhile, the costs of medication, medical supplies, electricity, and technology have increased significantly.
According to hospital management, the growing difference between operating expenses and existing reimbursement rates has placed considerable pressure on the institution's financial sustainability.
The hospital believes that adjusting its tariffs to reflect current economic conditions is essential to addressing its financial challenges.
Management also expressed hope that Governor De Kort, through his position and influence, could help encourage solutions to the financial difficulties discussed during the visit.
The hospital attributed an important part of its financial problems to the government's failure to adjust tariffs to present-day costs.
CEO Presents Hospital's Financial and Operational Situation
Advent Hospital CEO Elaine Striebeek provided the Governor with a presentation outlining the institution's operations and current financial position.
The presentation included information about staffing levels, the number of medical specialists, the number of patients treated, and the hospital's financial circumstances.
Striebeek also explained how Advent Hospital operates across its two locations in Damacor and Groot Davelaar.
Although the Governor visited the Damacor facility, time constraints prevented him from continuing the tour at the Groot Davelaar location on Groot Davelaarweg 1.
According to the hospital, the presentation nevertheless provided De Kort with an overview of the services offered at both facilities.
Staff Shortages and Equipment Needs Remain Major Challenges
Hospital management emphasized that recruiting and retaining qualified personnel remains a priority.
The shortage of healthcare professionals affects the institution's ability to maintain its services while meeting the needs of patients.
At the same time, the hospital faces the continuing challenge of replacing and modernizing medical equipment and facilities.
Advent Hospital stated that it has been working for several years to improve its financial stability, strengthen staffing, and modernize its infrastructure.
These efforts will continue under Striebeek, who assumed the position of CEO on January 1, 2026.
Despite the financial and operational pressures, the hospital emphasized that its employees continue to provide patient care with dedication and professionalism.
More Than 55 Years of Healthcare Services
Advent Hospital has served Curaçao for more than 55 years and describes itself as the island's oldest continuously operating hospital.
Its facilities in Damacor and Groot Davelaar provide specialist consultations, diagnostic services, and medical treatment.
The hospital offers services in internal medicine, general surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, gastroenterology, neurology, and ophthalmology.
Additional services include radiology, laboratory testing, dialysis, a sleep center, and gastrointestinal procedures. Various surgical procedures are also performed in the hospital's operating facilities.
Advent Hospital thanked Governor De Kort for taking the time to visit and learn directly about the institution's activities and financial challenges.
The hospital hopes the visit will contribute to greater awareness of the pressures facing its operations, particularly the need to revise reimbursement tariffs that have remained unchanged for a quarter of a century.
For management, achieving financial stability, retaining medical personnel, and modernizing facilities will remain central priorities as Advent Hospital continues providing healthcare services to the Curaçao community.