WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Health Inspectorate plans to fully implement the BIG National Ordinance in 2027, including the introduction of mandatory re-registration for healthcare professionals. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight of professional standards and the quality of healthcare on the island.
Under the planned system, healthcare professionals covered by the legislation will be required to periodically renew their registration, allowing authorities to verify that they continue to meet the requirements for practicing their profession.
The Inspectorate also intends to strengthen supervision of maximum waiting times within the healthcare sector. Particular attention will be given to hospitals and healthcare institutions through risk-based inspections, allowing inspectors to focus resources on areas where problems or risks to patients are considered greatest.
Waiting times have become an important issue in ensuring that patients have timely access to necessary medical treatment. Stronger supervision is intended to determine whether healthcare providers comply with applicable standards and whether intervention is necessary when access to care is delayed.
Another change involves the way residents and businesses communicate with the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN).
A central reporting point and call center will be established where members of the public and businesses can submit questions, complaints and reports.
The service will not be limited to healthcare. It will also handle matters concerning the environment, animal welfare and food safety, bringing several areas of responsibility within GMN under a single point of contact.
The measures planned for 2027 indicate a broader effort to strengthen supervision within Curaçao’s healthcare system, while also making it easier for residents to report concerns directly to the authorities.