Willemstad, September 16, 2026 – Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is calling on the Government to make an urgent decision on the structural funding of the hospital. For several years, CMC has formally informed the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) and SVB that the funding available to the hospital is insufficient to cover the necessary care provided to the people of Curaçao. Despite repeated discussions, formal correspondence and supporting documentation, a structural solution has not yet been implemented.
CMC calculated that it needs approximately XCG 236 million in 2026 to provide the necessary care to SVB patients. However, SVB is expected to provide only XCG 206.4 million. This leaves CMC with a funding gap of approximately XCG 29.6 million. the funds received so far are used to pay the hospital’s immediate expenses.
The Minister of Health recently also indicated that an additional XCG 10 million will be made available in 2027. CMC is awaiting clarity on the purpose, conditions and timing of these funds, including whether they are intended to support improvements arising from the CAO negotiations. If these funds are earmarked for employee conditions, they cannot simultaneously be presented as a solution to CMC’s existing operational and structural deficit.
Despite the healthcare funds already received into account, CMC’s financial position is once again reaching a critical point as in prior years. Based on current projections, the hospital risks having insufficient liquidity from the beginning of November to meet all its financial obligations on time. CMC continues to improve its operations and use its available resources responsibly. However, internal improvements alone cannot resolve a structural funding problem that is outside the hospital’s control as indicated in the recent KPMG report from 2023.
Caring for patients also means caring for those who care for them
Quality patient care is only possible because of the commitment of CMC’s employees. For years, our healthcare professionals and support teams have continued serving patients under increasing operational, financial and personal pressure.
The Board of Directors recognizes that employees have waited too long for progress in their employment conditions and that the CAO process has taken longer than it should have. Our colleagues deserve recognition, fair employment conditions and a clear perspective for the future.
CMC is committed to advancing the CAO negotiations responsibly. However, agreements with employees must also be financially sustainable. Structural funding is therefore essential not only to protect patient care, but also to invest in and retain the people who provide that care every day.
Temporary measures do not solve the underlying problem
CMC supports medically responsible measures to reduce surgical waiting lists and help patients receive care sooner. However, using public funds for temporary care does not resolve the underlying problem facing the island’s own hospital. Patients will continue to depend on CMC for emergency care, diagnostics, follow-up care and the treatment of possible complications. Any funding for temporary external care must therefore be additional and may under no condition reduce the resources required to keep CMC functioning.
CMC believes that every resident of Curaçao has the right to accessible, safe and high-quality healthcare. A financially sustainable CMC is essential to protect that right and to support the employees who make that care possible.
After years of discussions, further delay of structural funding to CMC is no longer responsible. What is needed now is clarity, accountability and concrete decision-making.
