WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has raised alarm over a severe shortage of gastroenterologists, a situation that threatens the continuity of essential healthcare services on the island. In a letter addressed to Finance Minister Javier Silvania and Minister of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN), the hospital’s board of directors highlighted the urgent need for intervention.
The CMC revealed that there will be no gastroenterologists available to cover evening, night, and weekend shifts on several dates in the coming weeks. Specific dates mentioned include January 1, January 3 to 5, and January 8 to 9. This alarming trend has escalated over time, with no specialists available for critical shifts as early as yesterday.
“Given the persistent shortage of gastroenterologists, the board has been forced to place the full risk of this absence—including potential liabilities and emergencies—on the government,” stated the letter.
Financial Constraints Worsen Crisis
The hospital attributes the shortage to restrictions imposed by the national salary cap for top earners (Landsverordening normering topinkomens, LNT). These limitations hinder the recruitment and retention of specialists in high-demand fields such as gastroenterology. Despite repeated requests to raise compensation to 130% of the LNT maximum to attract these professionals, the proposals remain unaddressed.
Urgent Call for Action
With the current situation at a critical juncture, the CMC warns of dire consequences for healthcare delivery if no immediate action is taken. The hospital’s management has emphasized the need for swift governmental intervention to prevent further disruptions and ensure the continuity of care for patients in Curaçao.
The Curaçao Chronicle will continue to monitor developments on this critical issue.