WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing key challenges in the healthcare sector, including support for hospitals, efforts to reduce waiting lists and reforms to strengthen healthcare services for the future.
The plans were outlined in a government press release and form part of what Minister of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) Tyron Boekhoudt describes as a broader strategy to improve the continuity, accessibility and sustainability of healthcare on the island.
According to the minister, the government is working on financial support measures for both the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) and Advent Hospital. The assistance is intended to help stabilize the institutions and ensure the continued delivery of healthcare services to the community.
One of the government's priorities is reducing long waiting lists for medical procedures and specialist care. To address the issue, authorities are exploring the possibility of temporarily bringing medical professionals from Colombia to Curaçao. The initiative could include medical specialists and other healthcare personnel who would help increase treatment capacity and allow more patients to be seen in a shorter period.
The government is also moving forward with plans involving the future integration of ambulance service FKAK into the public sector. The transition is part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency medical services and improve coordination within the healthcare system.
In addition, attention is being given to institutions operating in mental healthcare and long-term care. The government says it is working on measures to reinforce the position of organizations that provide services to vulnerable groups and individuals requiring ongoing care.
Minister Boekhoudt emphasized that the various initiatives are not isolated actions but part of a comprehensive approach aimed at tackling structural issues within the healthcare sector. The strategy focuses on ensuring continuity of care, reducing waiting times for patients and improving the financial and operational stability of healthcare institutions.
The minister also pointed to upcoming reforms of Curaçao’s health insurance system, which are expected to play a key role in creating a more sustainable healthcare financing model. The government plans to continue working on these reforms in the coming months as part of its long-term vision for the sector.
Healthcare challenges, including staffing shortages, financial pressures on institutions and lengthy waiting lists, have been recurring concerns in recent years. The government says the latest measures are intended to address both immediate needs and the long-term resilience of Curaçao’s healthcare system.