WILLEMSTAD - The list of patients waiting for elective care at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) currently consists of about 1,600 people. This is according to the chairman of the Board of Directors of the CMC, Gilbert Martina.
Since October 1, the hospital has stopped all unnecessary medical treatments for SVB (Social Insurance Bank) patients. The funds that the SVB has made available for 2021 does not cover all hospital costs.
In most cases, these are orthopedic, surgical and gynecological treatments that are not acute. The waiting list has increased due to the discontinuation of elective care. The influx of corona patients in the hospital also plays a role in the longer waiting list.
Last week, the Public Health Inspectorate wrote a letter to the CMC stating that the cessation of elective care is not justified. Inspector General Sirving Keli said in the letter that the hospital had to resume care no later than Monday, October 25.
According to Martina, the waiting list can be eliminated in three to four months. “It is important that this care is additional to regular care and that the associated costs must also be financed separately.” The CMC has informed Minister Dorothy Pietersz-Janga of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) and the Health Inspectorate of this.
In a response to the letter, the hospital indicated that resuming elective care is currently not justified. “Patients who need acute, urgent or essential care are then at risk,” according to the CMC.