WILLEMSTAD – All 33 pharmacies in Curaçao are now operational after the Inspectorate of Medicines imposed enforcement orders on 25 pharmacies that had failed to comply with instructions to remain open during legally required operating hours.
The Health Inspectorate confirmed that all pharmacies reopened their doors to the public following the enforcement measures, ending the immediate disruption to access to medication across the island.
According to the Inspectorate, the 25 pharmacies had failed to comply with instructions requiring them to operate between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., as prescribed by law.
In response, the Inspectorate of Medicines issued a formal enforcement order, known in Dutch as a "last onder dwangsom," requiring the pharmacies to resume operations.
Under the order, pharmacies that failed to open to the public by 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, would face a penalty of XCG 10,000 for each day or part of a day they remained in violation.
The maximum penalty was set at XCG 100,000 per pharmacy.
Inspectorate Conducts Checks at All Pharmacies
Following the issuance of the enforcement orders, Health Inspectorate officials visited pharmacies across Curaçao to verify whether they were complying with the legal requirements.
The inspections confirmed that all 33 pharmacies had opened their doors to the public.
As a result, the Inspectorate concluded that the pharmacies were complying with the law and that access to pharmaceutical services had been restored.
The announcement did not indicate whether any financial penalties had actually been collected. However, the Inspectorate confirmed that all pharmacies were operational following the enforcement action.
Authorities Emphasize Access to Medication
The enforcement measures highlight the importance of maintaining access to essential medication and pharmaceutical services for residents of Curaçao.
Pharmacies play a critical role in the healthcare system, particularly for patients who depend on daily medication or require timely access to prescribed treatments.
Interruptions to pharmacy services can create difficulties for patients with chronic medical conditions, elderly residents, and others who rely on regular prescriptions.
The Inspectorate of Medicines emphasized that it will continue monitoring compliance with the law to ensure that medication remains available and accessible throughout Curaçao.
The development comes amid broader tensions within the island's healthcare sector over reimbursement arrangements and operating conditions for medical professionals.
For now, the Inspectorate has confirmed that all 33 pharmacies are open and complying with the required operating hours.
Authorities have made clear that continued supervision will be necessary to safeguard the uninterrupted supply and accessibility of medicines to the public.