WILLEMSTAD - The Minister of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), Tyron Boekhoudt, has been working since taking office not only on the reforms needed within the healthcare sector, but also on structural solutions for several urgent issues affecting healthcare in Curaçao. Upon assuming office, the minister found a sector facing significant challenges on multiple fronts. Through targeted measures and focused attention, efforts are now underway to implement sustainable solutions that will safeguard the continuity, quality, and accessibility of healthcare services for the Curaçao community.
Strengthening Hospitals
One of the minister’s first priorities was securing structural solutions for the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), including a substantially increased healthcare budget compared to previous years. This measure is intended to provide a foundation for further stabilizing healthcare services on the island.
More recently, the government reached an agreement to support Advent Hospital, enabling the institution to undergo restructuring aimed at improving its financial stability and ensuring the continuity of its services. Looking ahead, several outpatient clinics are expected to collaborate with CMC to strengthen specialized medical care on the island.
Reducing Waiting Lists
Long waiting lists remain one of the biggest challenges affecting access to healthcare. Following a recent visit to Colombia, Minister Boekhoudt concluded that there are healthcare institutions in the region willing to temporarily deploy medical specialists, including surgeons, as well as operating room personnel to Curaçao.
The minister is currently in discussions with CMC to establish the necessary agreements that would allow these professionals to work on the island. The initiative is aimed at reducing waiting lists and ensuring that patients receive treatment more quickly.
Strengthening Healthcare Institutions
The ministry is also addressing several other healthcare issues that require urgent attention to ensure continuity of care. The transition of the FKAK ambulance service is well underway, with plans to integrate the service into the government organization by January 1, 2027.
In addition, the minister recently held discussions aimed at strengthening the long-term position of PSI SKUCHAMI. Alongside Capriles Clinic, SKUCHAMI forms a key pillar of mental healthcare services in Curaçao and plays an essential role in providing care to vulnerable groups within society.
The minister is also focusing on the future sustainability of long-term care institutions, including Brasami, Betesda, and Fundashon Duna Lus, as well as other organizations operating within the care sector. While these efforts come with significant challenges, Minister Boekhoudt emphasized that both the measures already taken and those still being developed are part of a broader, structural strategy to strengthen Curaçao’s healthcare system.
Looking Ahead
Over the next two years, the government’s primary focus will be on ensuring continuity of care, strengthening the stability of healthcare institutions, and reducing waiting times for patients across the island.
A healthy and sustainable healthcare financing system is considered essential to achieving these goals. With that in mind, plans to reform Curaçao’s health insurance system are scheduled to be implemented during the second half of this year. The reforms are intended to place the healthcare financing system on a more sustainable footing and ensure its long-term viability for future generations.