WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt has announced that the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) will conduct a nationwide investigation into employment conditions in Curaçao's healthcare sector, as the government prepares structural reforms intended to address longstanding financial and labor-related challenges.
The investigation will examine working conditions affecting healthcare personnel across the country and is expected to provide information for future decisions concerning employment arrangements, healthcare tariffs and institutional budgets.
Minister Boekhoudt speaking to healthcare workers (archive)
At the same time, the Curaçao Regulatory Authority (RAC) is conducting a separate cost-price investigation to establish a clearer understanding of the actual costs associated with providing healthcare services.
According to the minister, both investigations are expected to be completed in early 2027.
Their findings will serve as an objective basis for determining which financial and structural adjustments are necessary to improve the sector.
Healthcare Workers’ Conditions Under Review
Boekhoudt acknowledged that structural improvements are needed within Curaçao's healthcare system, particularly regarding the employment conditions of healthcare personnel.
He emphasized that the government recognizes the concerns raised by healthcare institutions and appreciates the commitment of employees who care for vulnerable residents every day.
The planned SVB investigation will provide a nationwide assessment of employment conditions, allowing policymakers to evaluate the sector's needs using documented findings rather than relying exclusively on individual funding requests.
The separate cost-price investigation by RAC will examine the financial aspects of healthcare delivery.
Together, the two studies are intended to provide a foundation for decisions about reimbursement tariffs, labor conditions and healthcare budgets.
The minister indicated that the government wants these decisions to be based on reliable information that reflects the actual circumstances facing healthcare institutions and their employees.
Agreement Being Prepared With Healthcare Institutions
According to Boekhoudt, the planned investigations and other measures will be incorporated into an agreement jointly prepared by the ministry and the healthcare institutions.
The agreement is intended to establish a framework for addressing the sector's concerns and implementing necessary reforms.
The minister confirmed that discussions are continuing with representatives of nine healthcare institutions.
Although the government has acknowledged the need for improvements, the institutions have indicated that they cannot wait until early 2027 for the results of the investigations.
They have therefore requested temporary financial support to help cover their needs during the intervening period.
Boekhoudt said he understands the urgency but emphasized that any financial commitment must be supported by sustainable funding.
He maintained that temporary assistance without structural changes to healthcare financing would not resolve the underlying problems.
Reform Process to Continue Into 2027
The minister said he will continue monitoring the progress of both investigations and the broader healthcare reform program.
The government intends to use the findings to determine what adjustments are needed to improve working conditions, establish appropriate healthcare tariffs and develop more sustainable institutional budgets.
The outcome of the investigations could influence future decisions affecting healthcare institutions, their employees and the financing of services throughout Curaçao.
However, the minister has not announced specific changes to salaries, employment benefits or reimbursement tariffs ahead of the studies' completion.
Boekhoudt emphasized that the government remains engaged in dialogue with the healthcare institutions despite the dissatisfaction expressed within the sector.
He said the objective is to develop reforms that address the needs of healthcare workers and institutions while ensuring that healthcare remains financially sustainable for the wider population.
With both investigations expected to conclude in early 2027, the coming months will be important for determining how Curaçao intends to balance improved employment conditions, the financial stability of healthcare institutions and the long-term affordability of healthcare services.