THE HAGUE - Next week, Maarten van Ooijen (CU), the Dutch State Secretary for Health, Welfare, and Sport, will embark on a visit to Curaçao and Bonaire. The primary focus of this visit will be to address the current state of healthcare on both islands, with a specific emphasis on youth care.
The visit will commence on Tuesday in Bonaire, where several pressing issues regarding healthcare will be discussed. Recently, it was revealed that hospital staff on Bonaire are sometimes compelled to take on additional jobs to supplement their income as caregivers. Furthermore, there have been notable delays in surgical procedures at the CMC in Curaçao, resulting in extended waiting times for patients in need.
During the visit, a significant document will be signed in Bonaire, solidifying administrative agreements on youth care between Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The discussions will also encompass social care, aiming to identify areas that can be enhanced.
On June 7, Van Ooijen will continue his visit to Curaçao. He will pay a visit to the Capriles Clinic, a center specializing in mental health care. The visit will conclude with a four-country consultation involving Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands, allowing for a comprehensive exchange of ideas and perspectives.