WILLEMSTAD – Former Member of Parliament and former political leader Anthony Godett has raised concerns about the increasing cost of healthcare in Curaçao, pointing to figures showing that expenditures by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) and the Basic Health Insurance system (BVZ) increased by approximately XCG 6 million between 2024 and 2025.
In a public statement, Godett questioned whether residents are aware of the substantial amount of money being spent on medical services and called for greater attention to preventive healthcare and improving the overall health of Curaçao's population.
According to figures presented by the former parliamentarian, healthcare expenditures amounted to XCG 107,723,837 in 2021, followed by XCG 107,539,277 in 2022 and XCG 105,754,447 in 2023.
The amount declined further to XCG 104,702,162 in 2024 before increasing significantly to XCG 110,755,843 in 2025.
The difference between 2024 and 2025 represents an increase of XCG 6,053,681, equivalent to approximately 5.8 percent.
Godett emphasized that the increase should be examined carefully, particularly because healthcare spending already represents a considerable financial commitment.
In his statement, he suggested that approximately one-third, or 33.3 percent, of the relevant budget is allocated to medical expenses.
However, the figures presented do not specify the complete budget to which this percentage refers or provide a detailed breakdown of the medical expenditures.
The former political leader also made an important distinction between the increase in healthcare spending and the recent disputes involving pharmacy owners in Curaçao.
He explicitly stated that the figures have no connection to any collective actions undertaken by pharmacies.
His clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about healthcare costs, reimbursement arrangements, and the financial sustainability of Curaçao's medical system.
Godett's figures indicate that spending remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2024, with a gradual decline over those years, before increasing in 2025 to the highest amount in the five-year period presented.
The figures themselves do not establish what caused the increase. A detailed breakdown would be necessary to determine whether the higher expenditure resulted from increased demand for medical services, changes in treatment costs, medication expenses, or other factors.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the financial figures, Godett called for greater attention to prevention as a means of improving public health.
He believes Curaçao must take the figures seriously and place greater emphasis on measures that help residents maintain healthier lives.
Preventive healthcare can include early detection of diseases, regular medical examinations, health education, and efforts to reduce risk factors associated with chronic illnesses.
Such measures can play an important role in reducing preventable health complications and improving quality of life, although their financial impact depends on the specific programs implemented.
Godett's statement adds another perspective to the broader discussion about healthcare financing in Curaçao.
While recent public attention has focused heavily on disputes involving healthcare providers, pharmacies, and reimbursement rates, the former parliamentarian is drawing attention to the overall level of medical expenditure and the importance of preventing illness.
His message is that Curaçao should not only examine how much money is spent on healthcare but also consider how investments in prevention and public health could improve the well-being of the population.
For Godett, the figures underline the need to take healthcare spending seriously while working toward a healthier Curaçao.