WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is spending more on healthcare than Aruba and Sint Maarten, with healthcare costs reaching nearly 15 percent of gross domestic product, according to the latest report by the Committee Financial Supervision (Cft).
The report shows that in 2023 Curaçao’s healthcare expenditure reached 14.7 percent of GDP, significantly higher than neighboring countries within the Kingdom.
The Cft warns that such high spending is squeezing other parts of the national budget and contributing to higher taxes and social premiums.
Although Curaçao’s healthcare funds posted small surpluses in 2024 and 2025 due to improved premium collection, the watchdog says this has reduced the sense of urgency for reforms.
But the Cft insists reform can no longer be delayed.
It says many healthcare studies and analyses have already been completed in recent years.
Now, the focus must shift from planning to execution.
The watchdog specifically recommends strengthening primary healthcare, increasing the use of generic medicines instead of brand-name drugs, and considering higher personal contributions for certain healthcare services.
One major concern is demographics.
Curaçao has one of the oldest populations in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, with more than 25 percent of residents now aged 65 or older.
That means healthcare demand is expected to keep rising.
The Cft warns that without structural reform, healthcare costs could become unsustainable and put serious pressure on government finances.
The report frames healthcare reform not just as a medical issue, but as a financial necessity.
Without changes, the cost of maintaining Curaçao’s healthcare system could crowd out investments in education, infrastructure and economic development.