WILLEMSTAD — Minister of Health, Environment and Nature, drs. Javier Silvania, has provided written responses to detailed questions from the MAN–PIN faction in Parliament regarding the recent purchase of ambulances by the Fundashon Kuido Ambulans Kòrsou (FKAK). The Minister’s answers clarified the financial, legal, and operational aspects of the procurement process and emphasized the Ministry’s limited role in direct decision-making.
According to Silvania, the government made a one-time contribution of NAf 1.35 million to FKAK in 2024 for the purchase of three new ambulances. These vehicles, which are now fully operational, were acquired through a formal agreement dated July 13, 2023—not a ministerial decree, as Parliament initially believed. The agreement outlines the contracting procedures, payment terms, and responsibilities and will be shared with Parliament in an upcoming meeting.
However, the Minister clarified that two other ambulances—recently the subject of public concern—were not part of this government-funded initiative. These were purchased directly by FKAK using funds received from SVB to carry out its duties. The Ministry had no involvement in this separate procurement process.
Limited Ministerial Involvement in Ambulance Purchases
Minister Silvania repeatedly emphasized that the Ministry of Health was not directly involved in the selection or purchase of the two recently questioned ambulances. Those decisions were made independently by FKAK’s management, under the supervision of its Supervisory Board (RvC). The Ministry is responsible for setting policy and regulatory frameworks but does not interfere in operational purchases.
Parliament also inquired whether a technical program of requirements was drafted ahead of the purchases. Silvania explained that this too falls under FKAK’s internal processes and management autonomy. Although the Ministry does not have a copy of the requirements document, the Minister has requested that FKAK’s director, through the RvC, make it available to Parliament.
Similarly, the Ministry does not possess a copy of the contract for the ambulance purchase, nor does it know which company was selected or the price paid. Questions about whether the ambulances were fully equipped or whether there were additional costs also fall under FKAK’s responsibility. Based on available information, the vehicles were delivered fully equipped. Any updates received from FKAK will be forwarded to Parliament.
Legal Framework and Institutional Oversight
The Minister pointed out that the purchase and operation of ambulances are governed by Article 9 of the Landsverordening Ambulancezorg, supported by a 2001 national decree that sets general standards for vehicle structure, equipment, and maintenance. FKAK is required to adhere to these legal standards but retains autonomy in managing its procurement processes.
To support FKAK’s overall institutional improvement, SOAB is currently involved in an optimization project, following two earlier studies—one on employee satisfaction and another on FKAK’s strategic and organizational structure. The project was approved by the Council of Ministers in March 2024. However, the Minister clarified that SOAB and other international organizations had no role in selecting or advising on the specific ambulance models purchased.
Coordination with Local Institutions and Operational Challenges
Parliament also asked whether local healthcare institutions, such as the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), were consulted before the purchases. Minister Silvania stated that consultation is not legally required for material acquisitions. While Article 7 of the ambulance law requires FKAK to coordinate services with care institutions, this does not extend to procurement decisions. Nonetheless, the updated operational permit issued to FKAK in August 2024 includes a new condition requiring coordination with care institutions, unlike the 2021 permit which has since expired.
Concerns were also raised about the ambulances possibly being too tall to enter the CMC’s emergency area. The Minister confirmed that there are indications of such issues. If these operational limitations are officially verified by the RvC, the information will be passed on to Parliament.
Finally, it remains unclear whether local experts were involved in evaluating the vehicles or assessing their compatibility with local infrastructure. The Ministry has requested clarification from the Supervisory Board on this point as well.
