Bonaire – The deputies responsible for healthcare in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba made a working visit to partner hospitals in Sint Maarten (SMMC), Curaçao (CMC), Aruba (HOH and IMSAN), and Bonaire (FM). This working visit is a next step in improving the accessibility and quality of care in the Caribbean Netherlands.
Gaining Insights and Sharing Concerns
The purpose of the visit was to provide the deputies with insights into how care for insured patients from the islands is delivered in practice. The hospitals presented recent improvements, strategic developments, and identified existing challenges – often related to regional demographics and cultural context. The deputies also highlighted the concerns of patients and healthcare professionals from their home communities.
Call for Active Patient Involvement
ZJCN emphasized the importance of patient involvement in improving care. Each hospital has a complaints officer, and the proper use of complaint procedures helps to identify structural bottlenecks and improve care. ZJCN urges patients to actively make use of these opportunities.
Working Together for Better Care
Despite known challenges, the visit confirmed the shared commitment to strengthen medical care for residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. ZJCN and the deputies thank all hospital partners for their openness and cooperation and look forward to a continued joint trajectory.
