WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has restored sufficient capacity within its sterilization department to safely carry out acute, emergency, and other essential surgical procedures. The hospital also announced that scheduled care is being gradually resumed.
Since January 19, CMC had been dealing with a technical issue affecting the washing and disinfection equipment in its sterilization unit. Although the equipment continued to operate, it was not functioning reliably enough to guarantee full sterility. As a precaution, all elective surgeries planned for that week were postponed. Emergency procedures, however, continued, supported by cooperation with regional partners who assisted with the sterilization of surgical instruments.
A temporary technical solution has now been implemented, allowing planned procedures to resume in a controlled and responsible manner. Hospital management has consulted with the Public Health Inspectorate and provided an explanation of the measures taken, as well as the steps planned to fully resolve the issue.
CMC is continuing to work closely with external partners, including support from neighboring islands, and is awaiting the delivery of replacement parts from the equipment supplier. Patients will be informed directly of any changes to their appointments.
According to the hospital, patient safety remains its highest priority, and medical procedures will only be performed when all safety and quality standards are fully met.