WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has strongly responded to the conclusions of a report by the Inspector General for Public Health, Serving Keli, regarding the death of a patient in March 2021. The hospital completely distances itself from the findings and accuses the Inspector General of making "far-reaching, unfounded, unprofessional, and inappropriate accusations."
In the report, which was sent to Minister Javier Silvania of Finance, Health, Environment, and Nature and shared by him on social media, Dr. Keli concludes that a patient died due to a medical error at the CMC. According to Keli, the patient died suddenly after the administration of a substance unsuitable for flushing an infusion.
In contrast, the CMC asserts that both the complaints committee and the independent Medical Disciplinary Board have already ruled that no toxic substances were administered, and it was a natural cause of death. This conclusion is supported by autopsy and toxicological research. The hospital expresses serious concerns about the independent functioning of the inspection and is considering further steps.
"CMC will not accept this," says hospital director Gilbert Martina, who describes the allegations as painful and worrisome.
This controversy raises questions about the communication between the hospital and the inspection and its impact on the community's trust in healthcare in Curaçao. The CMC emphasizes that it has conducted a thorough investigation into the case and assures the public of its commitment to high care standards. Further legal actions are being considered by the hospital in response to the accusations.