WILLEMSTAD – The Fair Trade Authority Curaçao (FTAC) has ruled that a complaint against the Huisartsenpost (After-hours GP service) Curaçao is unfounded, concluding that there is no evidence of abuse of a dominant market position.
The complaint centered on concerns that the organization behind the Huisartsenpost may have imposed unfair conditions on general practitioners. However, following its investigation, the FTAC determined that such concerns were not substantiated.
At the same time, the regulator clarified that general practitioners in Curaçao cannot be required to use only one specific patient information system. According to the FTAC, such a restriction would limit competition and choice.
Instead, the Huisartsenpost must ensure that alternative systems can be used, provided they are capable of securely exchanging patient data. This can be achieved through internationally recognized digital connections, such as standardized application programming interfaces (APIs).
The authority emphasized that interoperability remains essential. General practitioners are still required to use systems that can communicate with the Huisartsenpost’s platform to guarantee patient safety, continuity of care, and proper data exchange.
The FTAC also noted that any technical adjustments needed to ensure compatibility must be financed by the parties involved.
With this decision, the regulator aims to strike a balance between preserving freedom of choice for healthcare providers and maintaining high standards of care within the healthcare system.