WILLEMSTAD - Minister of Health, Javier Silvania (MFK), responded on Wednesday to criticism of the Curaçao House Physicians Association (CHV), led by Chief Physician Alexandra Serving, during a public meeting of the States. He stated that financial interests are the primary reason for the resistance against the House Physicians Post (HAP).
Silvania emphasized the need to set aside individual interests in favor of the common good that the HAP represents. "It is essential to ensure a healthcare system that benefits everyone and meets the health needs of the community," he stated.
According to the minister, the CHV has been striving for higher salaries for years without success, which he believes has led to frustration among some physicians. However, he noted that several general practitioners have expressed satisfaction with the HAP.
Silvania highlighted that the HAP has brought significant improvements compared to previous structures, ensuring healthcare availability outside of regular office hours. Despite concerns from parliament members regarding the costs of the HAP for the government, the Health Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, clarified that physicians previously received only one guilder per month per SVB-registered patient. In 2023, this amounted to 1.7 million guilders from the state treasury. He asserted that the establishment of the HAP has relieved the government of this financial burden.