WILLEMSTAD – Stichting Bureau Toezicht en Normering Overheidsentiteiten (SBTNO) says salary increases for medical specialists in Curaçao are possible, but argues that differences between medical specialties should be taken into account because of labor market shortages.
According to the advisory body, certain specializations are more difficult to recruit and retain, meaning salary adjustments may need to vary depending on the level of scarcity within each field.
SBTNO also proposes introducing a performance-related component into specialist salaries.
Under such a system, part of the compensation could depend on measurable healthcare outcomes, including reducing waiting lists, shortening patient waiting times, increasing the number of treated patients, and meeting agreed service standards.
The organization acknowledged, however, that the proposal still requires significant further development.
According to SBTNO, it remains unclear whether performance evaluations should apply to individual specialists or entire medical departments and specialist groups.
The advisory body further expressed satisfaction that the government modified its earlier proposal for salary increases.
An initial proposal reportedly allowed salaries to rise by as much as 130 percent above the current legal norm for top incomes. The revised proposal now sets the maximum increase at 110 percent above the existing standard.
According to SBTNO, the adjusted proposal represents a more balanced approach.
The organization stressed that Curaçao must remain competitive in attracting and retaining medical specialists, especially amid regional and international shortages of healthcare professionals.
At the same time, SBTNO noted that the island’s legislation governing top public-sector incomes may now require additional revision following recent salary increases and higher vacation allowances for civil servants.
The discussion comes as Curaçao continues facing pressure within the healthcare sector, including specialist shortages, growing waiting lists, and increasing demand for medical services at institutions such as the Curaçao Medical Center.