WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has amended its National Decree on packaged pharmaceuticals to make it easier to register more affordable generic medications. The decision is aimed at reducing overall medicine costs while maintaining safety and quality standards. 

The change is specifically tied to the island’s tropical climate, which previously limited the approval of certain medications that didn’t meet the local climate storage requirements. Under the new regulation, these medicines may now be approved if they are stored and transported under controlled conditions. 

Pharmacists will now bear greater responsibility for ensuring proper storage temperatures are maintained. According to the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature, this policy shift could lead to an estimated savings of 34 million guilders on the island’s total annual pharmaceutical expenses. 

The amendment was developed in close consultation with pharmacists, importers, and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). While the Advisory Council expressed some reservations in January, the government has pledged to take these into account. 

For patients, the changes will have minimal direct impact. Medication labeling will become clearer, especially regarding storage instructions, but the general requirement to refrigerate certain drugs will remain in place for many products. 

This update reflects a broader effort by the government to improve healthcare affordability without compromising the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments available to the population.