St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) acquiring a state-of-the-art Holmium Laser (see related story) is important particularly for urology patients. According to a press release, the device will enhance capacity for minimally invasive procedures, offering improved outcomes and faster recovery times.
It also confirms an ongoing commitment by SMMC to integrate the latest medical technologies even before its move to the adjacent St. Maarten General Hospital (SMGH) under construction. This means immediate better care at home, but also for surrounding islands.
In fact, such investments may save a lot of money by reducing the number of medical referrals abroad. Social and Health Insurances SZV as well as private insurance providers would no doubt consider that good news.
The same goes for patients themselves and their families, often having to travel considerable distances accompanied by relatives, sometimes for weeks. Needless to say, this “medical tourism” is big business in places such as Colombia.
Realistically, a small country like St. Maarten can hardly have every possible treatment available locally. However, providing options that are cost-effective makes all the sense in the world.
Speaking of which, there has been no recent word on how far government is with implementing so-called universal healthcare. Originally planned for this year, the current target date of January 1, 2025, is fast-approaching.
Further delay would mean taxi- and bus-drivers, vendors, sole proprietors and others remain without SZV coverage for employees and their families. Especially as an island with a tourism service economy and sizeable informal sector, that is not a desirable situation.
One of the major related issues is keeping care affordable. When Aruba introduced its general health insurance AZV, years of considerable deficits that government had to cover followed.
In the meantime, extensive discussions have taken place with authorities both there and in Curaçao to prevent similar mistakes being repeated in St. Maarten. After all, there is plenty of relevant experience within the Dutch Caribbean as well the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so no need to reinvent the wheel.
