WILLEMSTAD – MFK parliamentarian Javier Silvania is urging the government to move forward with legislation that would establish maximum waiting times for medical treatment and specialist appointments in Curaçao.
In a letter to Health Minister Tyron Boekhoudt, Silvania revealed that during his tenure as Minister of Health he initiated draft legislation aimed at regulating how long patients may wait for consultations, specialist care and surgical procedures.
According to the proposal, patients would be entitled to receive appointments with medical specialists within four weeks, while hospitals would be required to schedule surgeries within seven weeks.
The former minister said the draft legislation, titled "Maximum Waiting Times and Language in Healthcare," was approved by the Council of Ministers and subsequently submitted to the Council of Advice for review. According to Silvania, the advisory body issued its opinion in July 2025, but the decree has yet to be published.
Silvania argues that long waiting lists continue to affect residents across the island. He cited cases of patients waiting months or even years for treatment, including individuals requiring cataract surgery and cancer-related care.
The proposed legislation also includes provisions regarding language use in healthcare. Under the draft, healthcare professionals would be expected to communicate effectively with patients in Papiamentu, ensuring that patients can receive information and treatment in the island's primary language.
The MP has now asked Minister Boekhoudt whether the government intends to publish the decree and, if so, when it can be expected to enter into force.
The questions are likely to reignite debate about healthcare accessibility and patient rights at a time when Curaçao continues to struggle with staff shortages and growing demand for medical services.