WILLEMSTAD – PAR Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage is demanding answers from Health, Environment and Nature Minister Tyron Boekhoudt on a broad range of unresolved issues affecting Curaçao’s healthcare system and environmental policy, including waiting lists at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), shortages of medical personnel, Betesda, Hospice Arco Cavent and waste disposal at Malpais.
In a parliamentary letter dated July 13, Elhage submitted 16 questions to the minister under Article 96 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. He argues that several concerns previously raised with the government remain unresolved and continue to be of major importance to the population.
A significant portion of the letter focuses on CMC. Elhage wants the government to disclose the current waiting times for consultations, surgeries and other treatments. He also asks how many operations have been cancelled or postponed during the past year and why.
The PAR parliamentarian is also seeking updated information on shortages of nurses, medical specialists and other healthcare workers, as well as clarification on which recommendations from the Health Inspectorate have already been implemented and which remain outstanding.
Another issue concerns efforts to recruit healthcare professionals abroad. Elhage asks for concrete results from the recruitment mission to Colombia, including how many people were hired and how many are currently working in Curaçao.
At the same time, he wants Boekhoudt to explain what structural policies are being pursued to retain locally trained healthcare professionals and prevent further staffing shortages.
Betesda and Hospice Arco Cavent are also addressed. Elhage is requesting an update on the “Kortdurende Zorg” short-term care project at Betesda and wants to know whether its financing has been secured. For Hospice Arco Cavent, he is asking about progress toward approval of a new tariff and when it could take effect.
The functioning of the Health Inspectorate is another concern. The MP asks whether a permanent Inspector General has been appointed and, if not, how the appointment process is progressing. He also wants to know whether the Inspectorate has sufficient personnel and resources to properly carry out its supervisory responsibilities.
Elhage’s questions extend beyond healthcare to Curaçao’s waste policy. He wants clarification on whether residents can still dispose of waste free of charge at Malpais, what conditions apply and how many people have used the arrangement during the past two years.
He also asks how much the program costs the government annually and whether GMN has evaluated whether it has actually reduced illegal dumping, improved neighborhood cleanliness and contributed to environmental protection.
In one of his questions, Elhage puts the issue plainly: has Curaçao become cleaner as a result of the policy?
The MP also wants to know whether the government intends to expand the service or establish additional collection points to make responsible waste disposal easier.
Finally, Elhage is asking Boekhoudt to present GMN’s comprehensive plan for strengthening Curaçao’s healthcare capacity and reducing waiting lists. He also wants the minister to make current Health Inspectorate reports, CMC evaluations and other relevant documents available to Parliament.
Elhage has requested that the minister answer all 16 questions within the period prescribed by Parliament’s rules.