WILLEMSTAD – Healthcare waiting lists, continuity of care and hospital services were among the most difficult issues faced by outgoing Inspector General of Public Health Sirving Keli during his years in office.
Speaking about his retirement, Keli identified healthcare accessibility as one of the most persistent challenges confronting Curaçao's healthcare system.
According to Keli, multiple factors contributed to the problems, including staff shortages, a lack of medical specialists, evolving medical practices and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The issue frequently placed the Inspectorate of Public Health at the center of public debate.
In 2023, Keli gave the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) a deadline to improve access to healthcare services and reduce waiting lists. The move underscored growing concerns about the ability of patients to obtain timely medical treatment.
Throughout his tenure, Keli repeatedly highlighted the importance of maintaining continuity of care and ensuring that patients could access the services they need.
While acknowledging the challenges, he remains optimistic about the future of Curaçao's healthcare sector.
According to Keli, the island possesses significant medical expertise and experience, and the overall quality of care remains high. However, he believes the next step should be improving coordination between healthcare providers and institutions.
He also called for greater emphasis on empathy within healthcare and a stronger focus on the rights and interests of patients.