WILLEMSTAD - A new research report titled “Sustainability of the Healthcare System in Curaçao” warns that the island’s health care sector is approaching a critical crossroads, with rising costs, demographic pressures, and outdated funding mechanisms threatening its long-term viability.
The study, commissioned by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), highlights that Curaçao’s health care expenditures are growing faster than the island’s economic output, creating a structural imbalance that could become unsustainable within the next decade.
Rising Costs and Demographic Shifts
According to the report, Curaçao’s aging population is a major factor driving higher health spending. With life expectancy increasing and the proportion of elderly citizens rising, demand for chronic care and specialized treatments is expected to surge. This demographic trend, coupled with limited workforce growth, places mounting pressure on the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) and the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), both of which are already operating under financial strain.
Inefficient Resource Allocation
The report points to fragmentation and inefficiency within the health system, citing overlapping responsibilities among institutions and the absence of clear accountability frameworks. It calls for a restructuring of care delivery, focusing on primary and preventive care rather than expensive hospital-based services.
Preventive care, the study notes, remains underfunded and undervalued, despite evidence that early intervention could significantly reduce long-term costs associated with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension — both prevalent on the island.
Financing Reform: A Necessary Step
One of the report’s most urgent recommendations is reforming the health financing model. The current system, largely dependent on payroll contributions and government subsidies, is described as “financially fragile.” The authors propose exploring multi-source funding, including dedicated health levies or efficiency-driven public-private partnerships, to stabilize the sector without reducing accessibility.
Technology and Workforce Innovation
The report also urges the government to embrace digital transformation in the health sector, including telemedicine and integrated patient data systems, to improve service delivery and reduce administrative overhead. Additionally, it recommends incentives for training and retaining medical professionals, as Curaçao faces an ongoing exodus of nurses and specialists seeking better opportunities abroad.
A Call for Political Will
Ultimately, the report concludes that the future of Curaçao’s health care system depends on strong political commitment and structural reform. Without decisive action, the island risks escalating deficits and declining care quality.
“The sustainability of Curaçao’s health system is not merely a financial issue but a societal one,” the report emphasizes. “It requires coordinated effort, strategic investment, and a shift in mindset—from short-term crisis management to long-term resilience.”
As policymakers prepare to debate health budget allocations for 2026, this report is expected to reignite public and political discussion on how to preserve equitable, affordable, and sustainable health care for all Curaçaoans.
