WILLEMSTAD – The development of a new healthcare facility with a maternity clinic in Colon is once again being presented as a priority, following recent consultations between the relevant ministries and healthcare partners. The project has been under discussion for several years and has a lengthy planning history.
As early as 2023, the Council of Ministers approved plans for a new maternity clinic in the zone surrounding the Curaçao Medical Center. The Colon location was deliberately selected because of its close proximity to the hospital, allowing for rapid referrals in the event of complications. According to earlier information, construction was expected to begin this year, with completion projected around 2028.
The new facility is intended to modernize maternal and child healthcare and to partially relieve pressure on the hospital. It also forms part of a broader redevelopment plan for Colon, which is being positioned as a combined healthcare and government services cluster. This wider vision includes the integration of multiple healthcare functions alongside area development within the same zone.
Financing questions remain
The financial structure of the project has been a recurring point of discussion. Previously, it was reported that the government would allocate approximately 1.2 million guilders toward construction costs, supplemented by additional funding from other sources.
At the same time, the General Audit Chamber has expressed criticism regarding the management of assignments and budgets related to the Colon development. The audit chamber raised concerns about the use of external parties and compliance with rules on financial management and public procurement. Those involved in the project have disputed the findings.
The recent announcement that the project trajectory is being “accelerated” has raised questions about what this means in practical terms. An official construction start date has not yet been disclosed, nor has it been confirmed whether all financing has been fully secured.
Despite the uncertainties, the planned care facility and maternity clinic continue to be regarded as a key component of Curaçao’s future healthcare infrastructure.