Willemstad, October 6, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) wishes to clarify several points following recent statements by the Prime Minister in Parliament. CMC has implemented measures to control costs and work more efficiently, as recommended in the KPMG reports referenced by the government. The restructuring of debts accumulated through 2024 has not yet taken place. Despite lengthy discussions with the government, no final decision has been reached on the debt restructuring and its implementation. “As the Board of Directors, we believe it is important that patients, employees and the community understand why the hospital continues to face financial shortfalls despite improvements and temporary financial support, and what this could mean for patient care,” the Board stated.
CMC has implemented measures from the KPMG reports to control costs and use staff, resources and facilities more efficiently. One concrete example is purchasing medicines jointly with other hospitals, allowing CMC to obtain them at lower prices. “We therefore do not agree with the suggestion that CMC has not acted on these recommendations. We also continue to work on further improvements,” the Board stated.
However, working more efficiently does not offset all cost increases. Just as households experience rising grocery and fuel prices, the hospital faces higher costs for medicines, medical supplies and energy, among other expenses. At the same time, demand for care is growing. Treating more patients with more complex illnesses requires more staff time and resources.
Alongside cost control, agreements are therefore needed to fund the care CMC actually provides. CMC has analyzed changes in demand for care and the services delivered, and presented its findings to SVB. This analysis will also be shared with the government.
The KPMG reports also contain recommendations that require action by the government and SVB.
Without structural funding, the hospital’s cash flow problems could worsen. This could leave CMC without sufficient funds to make essential payments on time. Purchasing medicines, medical supplies and equipment could consequently become more difficult, with potential implications for continuity of care. “As the Board of Directors, we take this risk seriously. We continue to work on cost control and concrete funding agreements to support care for our patients,” the Board stated. The intention to restructure debts accumulated through 2024 has been expressed and an agreement has been drafted, but implementation has not yet taken place.
Settling old debts and providing temporary financial support do not automatically resolve the shortfall in funding for today’s care. The comparison with a household is straightforward: paying off an old debt helps, but monthly income must still be sufficient to cover ongoing bills. CMC therefore needs both debt restructuring and adequate funding for the care it provides each year.
Ultimately, for patients waiting for treatment, what matters most is receiving timely and safe care. The Board is open to cooperation that supports this goal. Clear agreements on quality, funding, responsibilities and follow-up care are essential.
CMC continues to work on improvements within the hospital and concrete agreements with the government and SVB. The goal is accessible, safe and financially sustainable care, with clear information for patients, employees and the community.
Furthermore, on September 23, 2026, the Board of Directors formally responded to the proposed changes to the governance and oversight structure. The Board indicated its willingness to bring the structure into line with the country’s Corporate Governance Code, including the involvement of the independent corporate governance advisor, SBTNO. The Board is awaiting the government’s response.
